The Kansas City Chiefs plan to use Louis Rees-Zammit as a kick returner and running back. Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Former Wales forward Louis Rees-Zammit says he “achieved everything I wanted in rugby” before a sensational move to the NFL, where he is strengthening his bid to join Kansas -City Chiefs.”
Rees-Zammit left rugby union on the cusp of the Six Nations earlier this year, informing Gloucester, his club and Wales of his decision to take the NFL's International Player Pathway approach.The 23-year-old has started to shine in training with his team, which has won the last two Super Cups. During Kansas City's recent three-day camp for first-year players, he caught a pass and sped away from defenders.
Kansas City reportedly intends to use him as a running back and offensive tackle. kickoff responder. Patrick Mahomes, their star quarterback, has already joined Rees-Zammit for offseason workouts.
During a press conference on Monday, Rees-Zammit suggested he was happy with his rugby union career. By 22, he had already represented Wales, winning the Six Nations Cup in 2021, and toured with the British and Irish Lions that summer.
Last year he competed in the World Cup, where he took his Test score to 14 attempts. However, moving to the NFL fulfills a long-time dream.
“I always watched [the NFL] growing up,” Rees-Zammit said. “I stayed up late every Sunday. Obviously there's a five or six hour time difference, so it's early morning for me.
“My dad is a huge role model and mentor for me, so it was more about when I was going to do it and have achieved everything I wanted in rugby, so now was the perfect time.”
Rees-Zammit relished the opportunity to “take a deep dive into the playbook” and welcomed the mini-newbie. – camps as a 'great' experience.
“Rugby is very freeing if you don't have a set-piece,” he told reporters. “That’s when you call the play. So there are probably 20 to 30 people playing in a game, whereas here [in American football] we are talking about hundreds. So it was interesting to study the playbook.”
Chances to open your way won't be that frequent, but Rees-Zammit will be hoping Andy Reid, the Kansas City Chiefs coach known for his innovative play design, can incorporate it into effective formations.
“When there is an open field, I feel like I'm playing rugby again,” Rees-Zammit said. “I can use my awareness when I'm in space. Then I can do the most damage.”
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