NEW CHALLENGE
Meet Louis Rees-Zammit, NFL prospect who quit Welsh rugby and now set to join Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce at Chiefs
Other teams were also interested in signing the rugby star
THE dream of signing with an NFL team has come true for a former rugby star player.
Louis Rees-Zammit, 23, who quit rugby in January, has reportedly signed a deal with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
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Rees-Zammit impressed the back-to-back champion Chiefs during his workouts, and he also visited other numerous teams, including the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.
The 23-year-old will join Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in their goal to three-peat for the first time in NFL Super Bowl history.
A native of Wales, Rees-Zammit made his way to the NFL via the International Player Pathway.
The news of Rees-Zammit quitting rugby in January was a stunning development for the sport.
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Rees-Zammit's announcement came two weeks before his Wales team began their Six Nations campaign against Scotland.
During his Wales tenure, Rees-Zammit was given 31 Test caps on the wing and at fullback and scored 14 tries.
He also played for the Gloucester English Premiership team, having played there since 2018.
Rees-Zammit impressed NFL scouts during his Pro Day, posting a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash.
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He also had a nine-feet, seven-inch broad jump.
It was revealed this week that the prospect will be represented by Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
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Rees-Zammit has had his sights on becoming a wide receiver.
The Chiefs could also deploy him as a kick returner.
The league's new kickoff rules resemble rugby which could work swimmingly well for Reese-Zammit.
With the opportunity to play in the NFL, the prospect has lived his own and father's dreams.
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"It's always been on my mind," Reese-Zammit said to reporters on Friday, via ESPN.
"My dad has been a massive role model to me because he brought me up loving the sport.
"He played the sport when he was younger so it's quite easy to love the game because I've been watching it from such a young age.
"So, it's always been in the back of my head, but it's just amazing to finally do it now."
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The Chiefs could use Reese-Zammit's potential talents at wideout.
Last season, Kansas City's wide receivers led the NFL in drops.