Former Rugby star Rees-Zammit achieving dream of reaching NFL
By Jacob Meikel
The NFL prides itself as a league of opportunity, and one new Kansas City Chief is the latest example of how the sport can find anyone, anywhere.
Louis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh rugby star, has found a new home in Kansas City. His past experience as a professional rugby player will look to serve him well as he enters his first year after spending a short period of time in the league’s International Player Pathway program.
But his interest in the game of football didn’t just come in the last few months. In fact, it stems from his childhood days watching the sport and his father’s interest in the game as well.
“My dad was a big NFL fan growing up. He wanted to play the sport. Growing up as a kid, I’ve always watched it. My dad’s a massive mentor for me and a role model. It was just a matter of when I was going to do it,” Rees-Zammit said.
Making the jump to the NFL can be quite the learning curve for any rookie, especially for someone like Rees-Zammit, who transitions from a completely different sport. Rees-Zammit said during rookie minicamp in May that the move to football is completely different. Learning the playbook and the structure of the offense can be the biggest adjustment, especially when coming from a free-flowing sport like rugby.
“Unless you get a set piece in rugby, that’s when you call a play. So, that’s probably 20 to 30 plays a game,” Rees-Zammit said. “Whereas here, you’re talking hundreds, so it’s been interesting to learn the playbook.”
His combination of size, speed and physicality will go a long way to potentially carve out a role in the Chiefs offense this season.
At 6’ 2” and 209 pounds, the running back is excited to showcase the skills he’s been developing during his time in rookie minicamp, organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Head coach Andy Reid got his first look at the Welsh star during rookie minicamp in May and said the experience was good for him, while also mentioning his attention to detail.
“He’s so diligent with everything and wants to be so good at everything,” Reid said about Rees-Zammit during rookie minicamp in May. “I’ve appreciated that and you can see the progress he’s made.”
