NFL
What will be Louis Rees-Zammit’s position at the Chiefs and what are his best skills?
The Welsh rugby star has decided to turn his hand to American football and took part in the 2024 NFL international player pathway (IPP).
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly set to offer Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit a route into the NFL. The 23-year-old had represented his nation at rugby but shocked sports fans earlier this year when he announced his decision to pursue a career in American football.
Rees-Zammit took part in the 2024 NFL international player pathway (IPP) in a bid to catch the attention of one of the league’s teams. Reports in the United States suggest that he did just that and is set to sign for reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City.
Sky Sports reports that the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos were also interested in securing his signature. Teams are required to finalise their 53-player roster by the end of August, meaning that Rees-Zammit has some time to prove his worth to his new club.
Where could Louis Rees-Zammit play for the Chiefs?
The Welshman has practically no experience of American football but has managed to get to the elite level in another sport and clearly boasts the physical attributes that would appeal to NFL sides. During his career in rugby he played as a winger or full-back, two positions that require quick acceleration and the power to withstand tough tackles.
During the IPP period he caught the eye with a 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds. Over the course of that assessment he performed well in agility and speed challenges, scoring at a good level for an NFL wide receiver.
A career as a wide receiver or running back would seem to be the most natural move for Rees-Zammit. He is adept at running with the ball and will be used to catching high balls from his time in rugby union, where the backs are often required to deal with long kicks from the opposition.
“I definitely think he’s got a chance,” said Aden Durde, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator. “When you go through this, it’s how you develop, it’s how you start learning the game, how you understand the different phases of the game. It’s a complicated sport, but once he simplifies it, that’s when his athletic talents will take over and you’ll see the player he can possibly become.”