Rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit is making waves in the NFL, and was recently spotted getting tips from Kansas City Chiefs veteran Mecole Hardman in training.
The Welsh speedster, who's been training with the special teams on punt and kick-off returns, is showing promising versatility in his first sessions with the Chiefs. Since joining the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit has been a standout, impressing with his pace and adaptability, playing as both a running back and wide receiver.
Initially listed as a running back, he's also been practicing routes from the slot position. It seems his primary role will be as a returner, which could be his ticket to securing a spot on the Chiefs' 53-man roster for his rookie season.
Hardman, who just returned to the Chiefs, is set to take on a larger role as a receiver, especially with Rashee Rice facing a suspension. This scenario might open up more opportunities for Rees-Zammit to shine in the return game, as he was seen this week receiving guidance from Hardman.
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Chiefs assistant head coach Dave Toub is thrilled with Rees-Zammit's rapid development since he joined the team in March. He said of Rees-Zammit: "He's done above and beyond what I've expected. He wants to be great and he's a great athlete."
While the Welshman is seen as a long shot to make the 53-man roster in the capacity of a receiver or running back, securing a role on special teams could greatly boost his chances of playing in his debut year. Even if he fails to secure a spot on the final roster, which will not be decided until August end, Chiefs have agreed to keep Rees-Zammit as part of their International Pathways Program.
The 23-year-old prodigy has been spotted practicing with Patrick Mahomes, displaying his remarkable speed while running routes and catching passes. Travis Kelce, the celebrated tight end star of the Chiefs, was all praise for what he has observed of Rees-Zammit.
Louis Rees-Zammit has impressed in practice but has a long way to go. (2024 Getty Images)The tight end also gave valuable advice to him over the last month. In his conversation with reporters, Kelce revealed that he cautioned Rees-Zammit: "It's gonna be a humbling experience at first," Kelce said. "It's not easy to just make that jump.
"They're two completely different games," Kelce added referring to Rees-Zammit's move from rugby. "But he is an athlete, and that's what the Chiefs saw. He's a smart kid, a smart player, so he's going to be able to pick up the offense eventually, but it's going to be a tough few months for him here while he's getting acclimated to the NFL.
"We've been doing this since we were kids. We've been playing this game, so we just have those little instincts that we've built over the years that he has to start to catch up with. The biggest advice I gave him was just try not to let it overwhelm you as much as it can. Just know that everybody believes that you have the potential to be able to play. So just absorb as much as you can, learn as much as you can in the short time that you'll have before the season."
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