Former Wales rugby union standout Louis Rees-Zammit has made a significant career shift by signing with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. At 23, Rees-Zammit, who earned the nickname “Rees-Lightning,” transitions to American football with aspirations to play as both a wide receiver and a running back. His move comes after impressing during trials, notably at the University of South Florida’s Pro Day, where his pace stood out to NFL scouts. Rees-Zammit explored opportunities with several NFL teams, including the New York Jets and Denver Broncos, before securing a contract with the Chiefs.

This signing is facilitated by the NFL’s international player pathway program, which aims to broaden the league’s talent pool by incorporating players from diverse sports backgrounds and nationalities. Despite the challenging conversion from rugby to American football, Rees-Zammit’s athletic profile, marked by size, strength, and agility, aligns with the demands of his envisioned hybrid role.

Rees-Zammit’s venture into the NFL marks a notable departure from his successful rugby career, sparking interest and anticipation among fans and peers. Joining the reigning Super Bowl champions, he is set on making his mark in the upcoming season, eyeing a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. The addition of Rees-Zammit to the Kansas City Chiefs underscores the growing trend of athletes crossing over from rugby to American football, highlighting the evolving landscape of talent recruitment in professional sports.