NFL
Louis Rees-Zammit working overtime to stay with the Chiefs
The former rugby player’s dedication has not gone unnoticed during Kansas City’s training camp.
The NFL’s International Player Pathway Program has produced great talents such as Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. The class of 2024 includes Bayron Matos of the Miami Dolphins and Louis Rees-Zammit of the Kansas City Chiefs, who swapped rugby for American Football.
Rees-Zammit stood out as a winger with Gloucester Rugby and the Welsh national team. Now, as a teammate of Patrick Mahomes, the plan is to turn him into an outstanding running back and he is eager to learn the difference between the two sports.
“It’s completely different. They always ask me where the hits are harder, in American football or in rugby,” Rees-Zammit admitted on arrival a couple of months ago. “In rugby, it’s free flowing - unless you get a set piece in rugby that’s when you call a play, there’s probably 20-30 plays a game whereas here you’re talking 100. It’s been interesting to learn the playbook, obviously we’re only a few installs in. I’ve only been here for a week but yeah, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
The Chiefs have a running back corps comprising Isaiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Deneric Prince. Rees-Zammit knows it will be difficult to end up on the 53-man roster after training camp and the preseason, but he is doing everything to learn the playbook.
“We finish meetings until eight at night and I probably sleep until 10, two extra hours of learning the plays because I have to catch up with people who have been playing football since they were kids,” the Welshman explained. “I don’t have time to rest, I have to give my all because this is my dream and for it to come true I have to play,” said Rees-Zammit. “To do this I have to surpass many people.”
Rees-Zammit targets special teams
It is likely that if Rees-Zammit manages to remain on the final roster before the regular season, it will be because of his talent on special teams, where he could excel as a kick returner under the new NFL rule. Additionally, the provision to learn both the route tree and blocking assignments are there.
“My goal is to be part of the team. I know that special teams will be important for me," said the rugby star. “I've worked really hard, learning the playbook, the roles of the running backs, understanding pass protection and my receiver routes.”
The Chiefs’ preseason games begin against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 10, followed by the Detroit Lions on the 17th and against the Chicago Bears on the 22nd. The deadline for teams to cut the 53-player roster is August 27 at 4:00 p.m. ET.