Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit joins Kansas City Chiefs as a new NFL player to watch

The Kansas City Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions, have recently signed former European rugby standout Louis Rees-Zammit to their roster. This 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.

Originally from Wales, Rees-Zammit played as a winger for the British and Irish Lions in rugby. His standout quality is his speed, which was evidenced by his 4.43-second 40-yard dash time during the NFL’s International Player Pathway pro day. 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 the rules, the Chiefs may benefit greatly from his speed and athleticism.

Teams signing international players like Rees-Zammit receive special benefits such as a training camp roster exemption and an additional spot on the practice squad reserved specifically for international players in 2024. This provides teams with flexibility in developing international talent and integrating them into NFL gameplay throughout the season.

The signing of Louis Rees-Zammit marks another significant step towards expanding diversity within professional sports teams and bringing unique perspectives and experiences to American football teams.