LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates during the Trophy ceremony following the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Louis Rees-Zammit, Former Wales Rugby Star, Joins Kansas City Chiefs in Sensational Move**
The Kansas City Chiefs, known for their dominant performances in the NFL and back-to-back Super Bowl victories, have made waves in the sports world with their latest signing. Confirming speculations that had been circulating for weeks, the Chiefs announced the addition of former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit to their roster.
Louis Rees-Zammit’s transition from rugby to American football has been nothing short of remarkable. In January, the 23-year-old shocked the rugby community by withdrawing from Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad just before the Six Nations tournament, revealing his intention to pursue a career in the NFL—a dream he has harbored since childhood.
Rees-Zammit’s journey into the NFL began with a ten-week training camp in Florida as part of the league’s international player pathway (IPP). It didn’t take long for the former Gloucester winger to catch the eye of top scouts with his exceptional athleticism and skill set.
The 23-year-old’s impressive performance at the University of South Florida’s Pro Day solidified his status as a top prospect in the eyes of NFL teams. His lightning-fast 4.44-second 40-yard dash would have ranked fifth among tailbacks at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, attracting interest from multiple franchises, including the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and ultimately, the Kansas City Chiefs.
With a remarkable 32 caps for Wales to his name, Rees-Zammit brings a wealth of athletic prowess and competitive experience to the Chiefs’ roster. His lightning pace and agility on the rugby field have earned him a reputation as one of the most electrifying talents in the sport, and the Chiefs are eager to harness his potential on the football field.
Louis Rees-Zammit has signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs and will be listed as a running back—a position that capitalizes on his speed and agility. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter in his athletic career, Rees-Zammit is eager to make an impact on the gridiron and help the Chiefs pursue a historic third successive Super Bowl crown.
In a statement to the Associated Press at the IPP workout, Rees-Zammit expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. He credited his father as a major influence, instilling in him a love for the game of football from a young age.
“My dad has been a massive role model to me because he brought me up loving the sport,” Rees-Zammit said. “He played the sport when he was younger so it’s quite easy to love the game because I’ve been watching it from such a young age.”
Rees-Zammit’s journey from the rugby pitches of Wales to the hallowed grounds of Arrowhead Stadium represents a testament to his determination, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to his dreams. As he prepares to compete for a place in Andy Reid’s 53-man roster, Chiefs fans can look forward to witnessing the electrifying talent of Louis Rees-Zammit in action come September.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Aden Durde—the first British coordinator in NFL history—expressed confidence in Rees-Zammit’s ability to succeed in American football. Durde emphasized the importance of simplifying the game and leveraging Rees-Zammit’s athletic talents to unlock his full potential on the field.
“I definitely think he’s got a chance,” Durde said. “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.”
As Louis Rees-Zammit embarks on this new chapter in his athletic journey, the NFL community eagerly anticipates the impact he will make on the gridiron. With his remarkable speed, agility, and competitive spirit, Rees-Zammit is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL as a whole.
