Louis Rees-Zammit switched from rugby union to the NFL, influenced by his father as he begins his football career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In April, Rees-Zammit signed a three-year contract with the Chiefs, officially marking his future in the NFL. His deal with the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions includes some guaranteed money and a signing bonus as he joins through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme.On the eve of the Six Nations in January, Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world when he announced he was leaving the sport immediately to join the IPP programme. The IPP aims to help top athletes secure a place on one of the 32 rosters and increase the number of international players in the NFL through an intense 10-week training programme.
Rees-Zammit then joined the Chiefs, ensuring he will team up with two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes in a versatile role. As the rookie minicamp began, the former Wales star explained why he decided to dramatically pursue an NFL career.
“My dad was a big NFL fan growing up and he wanted to play the sport,” Rees-Zammit shared with journalists. “He played American football back in the UK, and it wasn’t an option to come out here and play but growing up as a kid I’ve always watched it, always staying up late. Obviously, the time difference is five to six hours so it’d go to the early hours of the morning.
“My dad is a massive mentor for me and a role model, so it was just about when I was going to do it and I achieved everything I wanted to in rugby so now was the perfect time.
Blessed with exceptional speed, Rees-Zammit emerged as one of the most thrilling wingers in rugby, netting five tries at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France. After completing 10 weeks at IMG Academy in Florida, Rees-Zammit impressed at a Pro Day, meeting with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets before agreeing to terms with the Chiefs.
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Rees-Zammit was put through his paces on his first day at the Chiefs rookie minicamp
The 23 year old won’t count against the 90-man offseason roster limit during training camp, and he’s expected to feature mainly on the practice squad given the additional spot designated for an international player from 2024.
However, a multi-year deal suggests head coach Andy Reid has plans for the Welshman to feature prominently, with suggestions he could mimic Deebo Samuel’s role for the San Francisco 49ers.
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In the NFL UK YouTube series ‘The Pathway’, Rees-Zammit shared his long-standing ambitions of playing in American football by saying: “I think the first thought of being in the NFL was when I was a young boy, but I knew I had to play rugby for a long time before that. I’ve played for Gloucester since I was 16 years old – without them, I wouldn’t have done anything in rugby.”
“I’ve played for my country, I’ve gone to a World Cup, I’ve played for The Lions. I’m very grateful for that and just allowing me this opportunity to come to the IPP program and try to live my dream.”
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