Louis Rees-Zammit, renowned former Wales rugby standout, has taken a significant leap in his sporting career by joining the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning back-to-back champions of the Super Bowl.
Amidst keen interest from numerous NFL franchises, the 23-year-old engaged in discussions with prominent teams including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos.
Rees-Zammit’s transition to American football comes a mere 10 weeks after his departure from Welsh rugby on the eve of this year’s Six Nations tournament. Notably, he was part of the 2024 International Player Pathway (IPP), a program aimed at nurturing international talent for the NFL.
In a captivating video shared online, Rees-Zammit expressed his eagerness to connect with Chiefs fans at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium. He has set his sights on assuming a versatile role, adeptly navigating between wide receiver and running back positions.
Having undergone rigorous training as one of 16 participants in the 2024 IPP, Rees-Zammit showcased his skills at the University of South Florida’s Pro Day, attracting scouts from all 32 NFL teams. Although his performance didn’t reach elite levels across all metrics, his impressive speed aligns with the standards expected of NFL wide receivers.
Now a member of the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit faces stiff competition within the offseason squad as he competes for a coveted spot on the final 53-man active roster for the upcoming 2024 season commencing in September. In the event that he doesn’t secure a position, Rees-Zammit is likely to contribute to the Chiefs’ practice squad.
This year marks a significant milestone as all 32 NFL franchises reserve an additional place in their practice squads specifically for international players, including those emerging from the IPP. Moreover, teams have the flexibility to promote international players from the practice squad to the active roster up to three times during the season.
While Rees-Zammit aspires to fulfill a hybrid role on the field, he may initially find opportunities as a kick returner, particularly with recent NFL rule changes aimed at encouraging more kick-offs—a prospect he enthusiastically embraces given his attributes of size, strength, speed, and agility.
As Rees-Zammit embarks on this new chapter with the Chiefs, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his transition from rugby to American football and the impact he will undoubtedly make on the gridiron.
