The Kansas City Chiefs have set their sights on a new weapon for 2024.
Ranked as one of the teams that did best in the off-season, KC added some big names to the squad. But it was also bold enough to sign a player from a different sport…
Louis Rees-Zammit, who came from Welsh rugby league, joined the Chiefs to play running back and/or special teams.
In fact, there were never any indications that he would start the season as a starter, or if he ever would, because he is entering a totally different sporting universe from what he was used to.
What Kansas City saw in Rees-Zammit
The player had a well-established career in Wales, but gave it up to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
He entered the league through the International Pathway Programme (IPP). Rees-Zammit ran the 4-yard dash in 4.43 seconds.
Indeed, the Chiefs have already openly stated that the new recruit has attracted attention because of his excellent speed. Moreover, his ability to break tackles stands out.
The franchise even needs a back-up in the backfield to Isaiah Pacheco.
The Welsh player could be a starter at the start of the 2024 season
On Thursday, Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub informed the media that KC is considering using Rees-Zammit or Justin Reid in the kickoffs.
Apparently, the coach doesn’t want Harrison Butker to do that. That’s because the new rule implemented by the NFL makes kickers more exposed to tackles, and the organisation doesn’t want to put Butker through that.
As the new rule resembles the XFL, they noticed that kickers are involved in around 25-40% of tackles.
So the former rugby star is on his way to being a potential starter at kickoff returner for the Chiefs.
“Louis has done above and beyond what I expected. He can kick field goals… he can be a kickoff guy for us. He’s every bit as good as Justin (Reid) [when it comes to] moving the football and stuff like that on kickoffs. He’s really working hard on the [kick] returner job,” said Toub.
“I’ve got him in as the starter right now so he can get in as many reps as he can. But he’s a student of the game – he comes in after every practice, he wants to be great – he’s a great athlete.”