According to reports from the United States, Louis Rees-Zammit is on his way to realizing his dream of playing in the NFL after signing with Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to Bleacher Report’s NFL source Jordan Schultz, the 23-year-old will sign with the four-time Super Bowl champions on Friday, after RugbyPass reported earlier this week that they were in talks with him.
The 32-cap Wales international will be signed as a running back and wide receiver.
Schultz wrote on X that rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit will join with the Chiefs on Friday, according to sources.
“After working out and impressing Kansas City’s personnel earlier this week, they reached an agreement. I’m informed Rees-Zammit will play RB/WR.”
This marks the end of the first step in the former Gloucester wing’s journey to the NFL, which began in January when he announced his decision to join the International Player Pathway program (IPP) just minutes before Warren Gatland was about to name his Guinness Six Nations squad.
He recently competed in the IPP Pro Day at the University of South Florida, clocking a time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard sprint, which he described as “disappointed”. It was clearly enough to spark the interest of the reigning NFL champs, however.
Clubs will resume their offseason workouts next month, with a three-day rookie minicamp in May following the draft. The complete training camp will begin in July, when Rees-Zammit will join his future colleagues and game superstars like quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
Rees-Zammit will not know if he made the cut until August, when clubs release their 53-player rosters, with the new season starting in September.
This move comes only days after Rees-Zammit signed a management arrangement with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, which also represents Mario Itoje, Ellis Genge, Marcus Smith, Ardie Savea, and Siya Kolisi.
Following his signing, he stated via Roc Nation Sports: “The past few months since announcing my career decision to join the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in pursuit of a berth on the National Football League squad in the United States for 2024 have been an exhilarating whirlwind.
“After 10 weeks of training at IMG Academy, the IPPP’s pro day resulted in numerous interesting calls and booked visits to several NFL organizations. These developments have eventually influenced my next decision as I pursue this new challenge in my profession.
“I’ve decided to sign with Roc Nation Sports and agent Kim Miale to represent my NFL career and negotiate my on-field contract.” It was a simple decision to choose an agency that could properly advocate for my new NFL job while simultaneously acknowledging the relevance of my rugby experience.
“Roc Nation Sports International represents an impressive roster of rugby players, and I am honored to be the first athlete to bridge the gap between Roc Nation Sports and Roc Nation Sports International.”
“I’m confident in my choice to entrust Roc Nation and Kim with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and believe that they will help me best navigate this next chapter.”
Roc Nation Sports NFL Agent Kim Miale added, “Roc Nation Sports is delighted to represent Louis Rees-Zammit. He’s a dynamic athlete with an engaging tale. We are honored to be a part of Louis’ path to realize his dream of playing in the NFL following a successful rugby career.
“I am personally eager to collaborate with Louis on this project. With his agility, size, quickness, and work ethic, the possibilities are endless. I’m looking forward to witnessing Louis join an NFL club and prosper this season!”
