Is Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL dream over?

Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL gamble has not quite paid off just yet, as running back hopeful left was out of the Kansas City Chiefs 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

Rees-Zammit joined the Chiefs this offseason after transitioning from rugby union to the NFL via the international player pathway in January, but was apparently not quite up to the demands of an NFL season for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

It comes after a promising pre-season Louis Rees-Zammit, which included an impressive performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in March.

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Rees-Zammit was deployed all over the field for Kansas City. As noted by NBC Sports, he had two carries, one catch, one tackle, and kicked off for the Chiefs. There aren't many players who would be used so versatilely in the sport.

While he hasn't made the cut this year, this doesn't mark the end of Rees-Zammit's NFL aspirations. He still has the opportunity to be picked up by other teams or remain with the Chiefs on their practice squad.

The NFL's website reported that Rees-Zammit signed a three-year contract, inclusive of some guaranteed money and a signing bonus. The latter seems to indicate the hopes Kansas City has for him as a prospect.

Daniel Whelan, the Packers' Irish-born punter, offered the former Wales winger some advice, telling Rugbypass the best thing Rees-Zammit can do is, "watch as much film as you can. You just learn from everyone that’s better than you so you can get to their level."

Rees-Zammit has also sought advice from Christian Wade who attempted a similar transition a few years ago, The Daily Mail interviewed Rees-Zammit who told them, "He gave me advice on what to look for, what to practice… I really appreciate the help Christian's given me."

It has all been a bit of a blur since Rees-Zammit decided to move on from his rugby career to pursue the NFL, with the dream being to get drafted, or at least find a spot on a practice squad. Let's take a look over what happened.

Rees-Zammit, of Gloucester and Wales, told Warren Gatland and the Welsh Rugby Union he was quitting the sport to pursue his dreams of playing in the NFL.

Speaking to media, the Welshman said: "I am extremely excited to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge."

Rees-Zammit confirmed that whilst he is stepping away from rugby for now, he is not retiring, saying: "I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset."

Per reporting from Matthew Southcombe of ITV Wales, Rees-Zammit’s decision was a quick one, having only been approached by the NFL on the 14th of January, 2024.

The winger’s decision is a big blow for Wales, who relied on Rees-Zammit’s game-breaking abilities as a huge part of their attack. His move now leaves a gaping hole that needs to be filled.

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In a statement, Rees-Zammit said his, "best wishes go out to Wales for the up-coming Six Nations and year ahead, while I will continue to follow the continued progress of Gloucester from afar."

Rees-Zammit will go through practice and organized training activities with the Chiefs, as he tries to make the roster.

Currently standing at 6’3” and 194lbs, Rees-Zammit may have to put on a little bit of weight to compete with the physicality of the NFL, but given his size and speed, he seems set to play as a wide receiver.

Whilst long-speed isn’t the be-all and end-all in the NFL, Rees-Zammit has no shortage of it, having run a 10.44-second 100-meter sprint. That was without pads and the threat of a 215lb safety running straight at him, but the raw physical tools are all there.

Rees-Zammit is not the first rugby player to attempt a switch to the NFL, but given his age (only 22) and his freakish athletic traits, he could well be in the best position to make the jump. Let’s take a look at some of the others to make the transition.

Yes, we know there is a big difference between rugby league and union and understand how different body types work in both sports and that the ‘Tush Push’ is nothing like a rugby scrum etc, etc. Mailata played rugby league and is now one of the best left tackles in football, we’re counting it.

Wade was once seen as the future of the England back line. With great speed and incredible quickness, he had everything you’d look for in a running back, but probably came to the sport too late. He spent three seasons on the Bills practice squad, but never made the jump.

The wonderfully named Christian Scotland-Williamson is a freakishly large man, standing at 6’9” and 274lbs. His rugby career never quite got going as he expected it might, but he was able to hang around on the Steelers practice squad for a couple of years, which is fairly impressive.

Another rugby league star we’re including for our own purposes, Hayne set the NFL world alight during his brief stay, showcasing his incredible athleticism and physicality. Unfortunately, Hayne's off-field controversies have overshadowed his achievements in the NFL and NRL. 

Another giant of a lock, Alex Gray has had quite the career, playing for the England Sevens team, spending multiple years as part of the Atlanta Falcons organization, and is now a cast member on the reboot of Gladiators on the BBC.

Adongo is a perfect example of a physical freak who could never quite master his chosen sports despite having all the tools. The Kenyan played sparingly for various South African teams in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby before signing with the Colts, spending a few years on the active roster.

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