Louis Rees-Zammit: Former Wales rugby star signs for NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs

Posted by author March 29, 2024 NFL

Former Wales rugby international Louis Rees-Zammit has signed for NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs.

The former Gloucester, Wales and British and Irish Lions wing announced in January he was quitting rugby to chase his American football dream.

In a video posted by the Chiefs on X, he said: “Hi Chiefs Kingdom, Louis Rees-Zammit here.

“Just signed, can’t wait to go and see you all at Arrowhead.”

The Chiefs said on their official website: “The Kansas City Chiefs made an international splash on Friday with the addition of former European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to the roster.”

Rees-Zammit had made 32 appearances for his country’s national side, and scored 70 points.

But the 23-year-old joined the NFL’s international player pathway ahead of a Six Nations tournament that saw Wales take home the wooden spoon.

Earlier this month, he told Sky News making it in the NFL would be the “most proud moment of [his] life”.

He visited several NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, but has settled on the Chiefs, who have won the last two Super Bowl titles and three of the last five, inspired by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.

His dream moved a step closer when he impressed during last week’s pro day that forms part of the international player pathway.

Scouts from all 32 NFL teams watched him go through his paces at the event at the University of South Florida.

Rees-Zammit clocked 4.43 seconds in his 40-yard dash, a 9ft 7in broad jump and 29-inch vertical jump.

He will try to win a place on Kansas City’s final 53-man roster for the 2024 season, which begins in September.

Running back and wide receiver are his designated positions, but if he does not make it, he is likely to spend his first season on Kansas City’s practice squad, the BBC said.

The Chiefs added: “Rees-Zammit participated in the international player pathway programme workout earlier this month, which provided the former rugby star with an opportunity to show NFL scouts what he could do.

“His workout included a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked fifth among tailbacks at the 2024 NFL scouting combine.”