Louis Rees-Zammit Joins Kansas City Chiefs: Transition from Welsh Rugby to NFL

Former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has made a groundbreaking move to the NFL, joining the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old, who started all five of Wales’ matches at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, drew interest from several NFL franchises before ultimately signing a three-year contract with the Chiefs.

Rees-Zammit’s transition to American football comes just 10 weeks after he left Welsh rugby on the eve of this year’s Six Nations tournament. As part of the 2024 international player pathway (IPP), he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in a hybrid role playing both wide receiver and running back for the Chiefs.

The Welshman expressed his excitement about joining the Chiefs in a video posted on social media, stating that he “can’t wait” to see the team’s fans at Arrowhead Stadium. His signing with the Chiefs exemplifies the faith placed in him by head coach Andy Reid’s team, as IPP players are not guaranteed any length of contract.

Rees-Zammit’s next challenge will be to earn a spot on Kansas City’s final 53-man active roster for the 2024 season, which kicks off in September. If he doesn’t make the cut, he is likely to spend his first season on the team’s practice squad.

With NFL rule changes encouraging teams to utilize kick returners more frequently, Rees-Zammit’s size, strength, speed, and agility make him a prime candidate for the role. He has expressed his eagerness to contribute on special teams and is poised to make an impact in his new football career.

As one of the 16 players in the 2024 IPP, Rees-Zammit has the opportunity to pave the way for other international players looking to make the transition to the NFL. His journey from Welsh rugby star to NFL hopeful is sure to captivate fans on both sides of the Atlantic.