Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has recently attracted significant attention following his signing with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to this significant career move, his new coach, Andy Reid, has revealed the team’s plan for the young athlete’s transition from rugby to American football.
During a recent press conference, Coach Reid disclosed that Rees-Zammit will begin his NFL journey as a running back, citing the player’s previous exposure to football through his father’s time in the European league. The experienced coach also highlighted the similarities between rugby and American football, particularly in terms of physicality and ball-carrying.
The 23-year-old athlete, who had already been training with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Texas prior to joining the team, is expected to take part in the NFL’s offseason workout program as he familiarizes himself with the intricacies of his new position.
While the primary plan for Rees-Zammit is to fulfill the running back role, Coach Reid suggested the possibility of the Welsh sensation becoming involved in the team’s kick-off formation changes. With rugby players attracting interest due to the similarities in alignments between the two sports, Rees-Zammit’s potential role in the kick-off formation is certainly generating curiosity among fans and analysts.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub will play a crucial role in assessing the player’s aptitude for kick-off formations and returns, as the Chiefs aim to maximize Rees-Zammit’s talents on the field. Coach Reid emphasized the complexities of transitioning between sports but expressed confidence in the young athlete’s ability to adapt, given his professional experience in rugby since the age of 17.
As Louis Rees-Zammit embarks on this exciting journey in the NFL, the sports world eagerly anticipates how the transition will unfold. His exceptional skills on the rugby field have undeniably captured the attention of American football enthusiasts, and with the guidance of Coach Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Welsh sensation is poised to make his mark in the NFL.