As the sun rose over St. Joseph, Missouri, Louis Rees-Zammit was filled with anticipation and excitement. The Welsh former rugby star, now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, was gearing up for his first full-contact practice in the NFL. With a grin on his face, Rees-Zammit expressed his eagerness, stating, “I can’t wait to see the difference.”
The moment of truth arrived on July 28, during the Chiefs’ third consecutive padded practice. Engaging in a one-on-one drill, Rees-Zammit faced a blitzing linebacker or safety, his task to protect the quarterback. Reflecting on the intensity of the moment, Rees-Zammit admitted, “I’ve never had to pass protect before. It’s actually illegal in rugby. I have to try to pick it up as quickly as possible. I’m not going to be amazing to start with.”
Facing challenges like these was to be expected for Rees-Zammit, who was a newcomer to the sport of American football. At 23 years old, he was set to play in his first organized football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a preseason opener.
After a humbling experience on the field, Rees-Zammit gathered himself and prepared for the next rep. Despite his initial struggles, he showed improvement in his technique, standing his ground against his teammate’s aggression.
Rees-Zammit’s journey to the NFL began at the age of 18 when he signed his first professional contract with Gloucester. As the club’s youngest-ever Premiership player, he quickly made an impact, showcasing his talent and scoring prowess. Known for his lightning speed on the field, Rees-Zammit earned the nickname “Rees-Lightning.”
His success continued on the international stage, as he helped lead Wales to victory in the Six Nations championship. One unforgettable moment came during a match against Scotland, where Rees-Zammit demonstrated his skill and creativity by executing a game-winning try with finesse.
In 32 appearances for Wales, Rees-Zammit scored an impressive 14 tries, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the world of rugby. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter in his athletic career with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit is poised to make his mark on the NFL with his speed, agility, and determination.
