Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is set to continue his NFL aspirations after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs. He is reportedly in the process of finalizing a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are ready to give him a new opportunity.
Rees-Zammit was let go by the Chiefs as part of their roster cuts on Tuesday, the deadline for finalizing their 53-man roster. Although not yet confirmed, it is believed that Rees-Zammit will join the Jaguars’ practice squad.
Rees-Zammit will become the second player for the Jacksonville team to transition from a different sport to American football. The team previously signed Patrick Murtagh, who had played for the Gold Coast Suns’ developmental program in the Australian Football League before joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway. Murtagh, a tight end, was later sidelined by a serious injury.
Interestingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the only NFL team scheduled to play multiple games in the UK this season, with back-to-back matchups against the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots in London. Should Rees-Zammit join the practice squad, he might be elevated to the active roster at any point, including for these games.
Originally from Penarth, Rees-Zammit excelled at the Cardiff Blues rugby academy before moving to Gloucester, just over the English border. He made a significant impact with the Premiership team, earning recognition as one of the most promising young players globally. During his time with Gloucester, he scored 210 points in 77 appearances and played a key role in Wales winning the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
The 6’2″ winger, renowned for his remarkable speed, caught attention in the NFL after clocking a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL International Player Pathway pro day in March. This performance led to Rees-Zammit signing a three-year contract worth $2.83 million, with $230,000 guaranteed—a deal similar to those typically given to undrafted free agents.
The young Welshman was thrilled about his prospects with the Chiefs, quickly joining Patrick Mahomes and other key players for a private workout in Dallas shortly after. Head coach Andy Reid was impressed by Rees-Zammit’s versatility, utilizing him in various roles throughout the preseason.
Reid noted Rees-Zammit’s background, saying, “He was introduced to the sport at a young age through his father, who played for six years in the European league.” Reid also mentioned that Rees-Zammit had admired NFL legend DeSean Jackson as a child.
“He’s somewhat familiar with the sport and has found success in rugby. There are some similarities to contact sports, and he’s experienced running with the ball. We’ll start him at the running back position to help him become comfortable with that role.
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