On Thursday, the Chiefs made an unorthodox but intriguing addition to their attack by signing international rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. The speedster is anticipated to contribute on special teams and possibly offensively, providing Kansas City a dynamic, proven competitor to enhance the roster.
Following the league’s vote on a new kickoff rule that encourages action rather than touchbacks, athletes like Rees-Zammit can bring enormous value due to the similarities to rugby rules.
Kansas City was one of six teams to meet with Rees-Zammit this week, including the Denver Broncos, and it appears Brett Veach and Andy Reid were one step ahead of the competition once again.
Chiefs news: KC signs rugby star. Louis Rees Zammit
Rees-Zammit, a member of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, aims to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata, who has emerged as one of the league’s top left tackles since joining the Eagles.
During the pro day, the star did a 4.43 40-yard dash, a 9ft 7in broad jump, and a 29-inch vertical leap. He was clocked at 24.2 MPH during a rugby match, which is two MPH faster than the fastest mark recorded during the 2023 NFL season.
This is the ideal no-cost, high-return move. Rees-Zammit is exempt from the NFL’s 90-man roster limit because he is a member of the league’s international program. If he excels, the Chiefs will have a true game changer and versatile weapon. If things don’t work out, there is no loss.
The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos all met with Rees-Zammit, who is currently a member of the Chiefs. Speed like his doesn’t grow on trees, and with the rule changes, Rees-Zammit may make an immediate impact as the organization strives for its third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
Not only do Veach and the Chiefs’ brass deserve credit, but this demonstrates the franchise’s international appeal. I’ve maintained that the Chiefs are now America’s team, but it appears that Kansas City is expanding far beyond the local area codes, with an international presence emerging under the leadership of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
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