Louis Rees-Zammit could be the fastest player in the NFL but he plays rugby
If reports prove to be true, the NFL could soon have a new fastest player, and one who comes with experience in a sport that’s often compared to football.
We’ve all been amazed by the speed of various NFL players over the years, not the least of whom is the Miami Dolphins’ current wide receiver. Yet, it just may be that his title as the league’s top speedster is about to be challenged. Let’s dive in.
Is Louis Rees-Zammit faster than Tyreek Hill?
That’s the word on the street. According to reports on Tuesday, Welsh rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit is leaving his current career in rugby to try his hand in the NFL. Rees-Zammit was a winger for the British and Irish Lions. Clocked at a top speed of 24.2 mph during a rugby game, the 22-year-old looks set to do damage to NFL defenses in the near future. To put things in perspective, the player widely considered to be the NFL’s fastest at present is Miami Dolphins wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, who notched 23.24 mph on a 27-yard kickoff return in 2016, during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s 0.96 mph slower than Rees-Zammit, meaning the “Cheetah” may soon be the second fastest cat on the field. Where the rest of the pack is concerned, this most recent season saw Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf hit the fastest speed, going 22.23 mph in Week 13. There was also Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown who followed Metcalf with a speed of 22.05 mph in Week 14. Of course, Rees-Zammit will have a lot of work to do before he can show us how quick he is. Firstly, he will have to make a team’s roster. That journey will begin with his participation in the NFL’s international player pathway, a 10-week program that will help him prepare for the rigors of the game.
What has Louis Rees-Zammit said about his NFL future?
Speaking with BBC Sport, Rees-Zammit acknowledged the magnitude of the opportunity in front of him. “I am extremely excited to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge,” he said. Interestingly, he didn’t entirely close the door on his rugby career but rather spoke to the accentuation of his skills. “Rather at this age and stage of my life I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset,” he said.