The Kansas City Chiefs are going out on a limb, as the team announced it has signed a former professional rugby player, Louis Rees-Zammit. Rees-Zammit played winger for the British and Irish Lions.
Rees-Zammit announced he would be leaving rugby to pursue his dream of playing the NFL, and he has landed with the Super Bowl champions. In Kansas City, the 23-year-old will benefit from the tutelage of Andy Reid, one of the best coaches in the league.
Rees-Zammit joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway and participated in the pro day, where he ran a ridiculous 4.43-second 40-yard dash. It has been reported that Rees-Zammit also reached a top speed of 24.2 mph during a rugby match, which eclipses the top speed in the NFL last season. The top speed in 2023 was 22.23 mph, secured by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Rugby players are typically very strong. If Rees-Zammit can pair strength with his speed, he could be a dangerous offensive weapon. The current idea is he will be an “offensive weapon.” That could mean many things but the 6-foot-3, 194-pound Rees-Zammit has a build that could make him a wide receiver.
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Rees-Zammit might also serve as a fullback, return specialist, or running back. He has the right size to be lined up in many different positions, making this a sneaky good decision for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs need help at wide receiver. The team did bring in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but there is still room for a secondary or third weapon to help quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Tight end Travis Kelce had an off year, but still managed to show up in the playoffs and Super Bowl. With Kelce getting up there in age (34), the Chiefs might also be thinking long-term to a future without him. Adding Rees-Zammit could also bring in a blocker similar to Kelce’s role for run packages.
Rugby players engage in what is known as a “scrum,” which is when players from both teams line up and push each other in an attempt to secure the ball. Rees-Zammit could offer both the skill and the type of strength to help someone like Isiah Pacheco gain a few extra yards, which would be invaluable.
The Chiefs might also develop their own “tush push” play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles. While the QB sneak is nothing new to football, the Eagles have perfected getting Hurts or the ball carrier over the hump for a touchdown or first down.
Rees-Zammit could shove his way into the same role. He isn’t the only rugby player who has left the sport for the NFL. Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Christian Scotland-Williamson are among the most notable.
Reid is often attempting to elevate his offensive attack, especially with Mahomes throwing the ball. With one of the best QBs in the league and a Swiss-army knife-type player like Rees-Zammit, this outside-of-the-box thinking could be what takes the Chiefs to the next level.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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