Kansas City Chiefs, the current Super Bowl champions, have recently welcomed former European rugby standout Louis Rees-Zammit to their roster. The move brings a new weapon to the team as Rees-Zammit announced in January his decision to leave rugby and pursue a career in the NFL. With the best head coach and quarterback in the game, he now finds himself in a prime position to make an impact in American football.
Rees-Zammit is originally from Wales and played as a winger for the British and Irish Lions in rugby. His standout quality is his speed, which he demonstrated during the NFL’s International Player Pathway pro day with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash time. Known for his impressive speed, he once reached a top speed of 24.2 mph during a rugby match, exceeding the top speed recorded in the NFL last season.
While his specific position on the Chiefs roster is uncertain, it is likely that head coach Andy Reid will utilize Rees-Zammit as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist. The NFL approved a new kickoff format to increase the rate of returns, potentially playing to Rees-Zammit’s strengths. With recent changes in rules, teams signing international players like him receive special benefits such as training camp roster exemption and an additional spot on practice squad reserved specifically for international players in 2024.
This move by Kansas City Chiefs could prove beneficial for them as they continue their quest for another Super Bowl title with Rees-Zammit bringing his unique skill set and athleticism to their team.