NFL
Louis Rees-Zammit secures dream move to the Kansas City Chiefs
The former rugby player will be used in multiple positions in the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense thanks to the genius of head coach Andy Reid.
Former rugby union player Louis Rees-Zammit joined the International Player Pathway (IPP) to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL and he has achieved it with flying colors.
Based on what Jordan Schultz has revealed for Bleacher Report, Rees-Zammit visited the Chiefs and the AFC West team managed to agree on the terms of a contract with the 23-year-old Welshman. Financial details have not been disclosed.
‘Rees-Lightning’
Rees-Zammit terminated his contract with Gloucester Rugby to pursue his dream in mid-January 2024. The Penarth-born former rugby union wing played the last Rugby World Cup with Wales, registering 25 points and 17 tackles and played a part in all five games up until the team was eliminated by Argentina in the quarter finals.
Nicknamed Rees-Lightning, he impressed during his Pro Day clocking a time of 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Additionally, his vertical jump was recorded at 29 inches and his broad jump hit nine feet seven inches.
Other teams interested in signing Louis Rees-Zammit
The chances of Louis remaining on the roster in 2024 are very good as the NFL added an extra spot on the practice squad for international athletes as part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program which was launched in 2017. NFL franchises will be able to call up its international practice squad player to the active roster a maximum of three times during the regular season.
The Chiefs weren’t the only franchises interested in signing Rees-Zammit. The winger also visited the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos before deciding on the Kansas City team.
“There was a lot of interest in LRZ because he’s young, fast and talented,” AP’s Rob Maaddi noted. His receiving ability impressed me. He can catch the football. He’s going to have to continue to learn route-running techniques. He has a chance to make it as a returner and could perhaps play running back, which is more comfortable for him at this point. However, he’d have to learn blocking assignments and other aspects of the RB position beyond carrying the football.”