Louis Rees-Zammit describes the role that the Kansas City Chiefs envision for him in the NFL
We now have a better idea of the role that the Kansas City Chiefs envision for recent international free agent signing Louis Rees-Zammit. While the Chiefs might be listing the Welsh rugby star at running back on their official roster, their plans for him include much more. Rees-Zammit recently appeared on The Rugby Pod with Dan […]
We now have a better idea of the role that the Kansas City Chiefs envision for recent international free agent signing Louis Rees-Zammit.
While the Chiefs might be listing the Welsh rugby star at running back on their official roster, their plans for him include much more. Rees-Zammit recently appeared on The Rugby Pod with Dan Biggar, speaking about his decision to sign with the reigning Super Bowl champions.
He revealed that one of the reasons that he chose Kansas City over the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos is because the coaching staff had a very clear vision for the player that he could be in the NFL. That vision all starts with the NFL's new kick return rules set to debut during the 2024 NFL season.
"Yeah, so the plan we've got is, obviously, the new kickoff rules this year are absolutely massive," Rees-Zammit said. "That's where my main position is going to be. So I've got to fight to be a starter in that positon this year."
When it comes to the offensive side of the ball, it'll ultimately fall on what aspects of the playbook he excels at. From the sounds of it, he'll be much more of an offensive weapon than restricted to any singular position.
"And then it's within the offense, it's about how quick I can learn the playbook," Rees-Zammit said. "Because, you know, we've got a plan to put me in various positions, play out the backfield at running back, be a slot receiver, just being able to use me as much as possible and be creative with me. So it's all about me learning the playbook and getting the chemistry with all the players on offense to be able to use me."
The Chiefs and Rees-Zammit aren't holding any illusions about the learning curve he faces in his transition from rugby to playing in the NFL. He knows that his best shot at early success comes down to how quickly he can pick up the game and learn the playbook. Everyone knows that might not happen overnight, but the goal remains to find a way to contribute in 2024.
"It's kind of up to me to learn all the plays and, and being able to integrate myself into into a starting role," Rees-Zammit concluded. "But I know it's gonna take a lot and it's gonna take a bit of time for me to do that. And all the coaches know that. So yeah, there's no pressure, but I'm going to try and learn it as quick as possible to put me in the best position to get on the field."
Eli Manning sparks NWSL feud with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes ahead of KC Current-Gotham FC match
Eli Manning taunted Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on Twitter (X).
