The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs hold recruiting gamers regardless of having an elite roster on board. Their newest addition comes from a distinct sport altogether. It seems the group is now diversifying because it has provided former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit a chance to play within the NFL.
Louis Rees-Zammit had revealed at first of the 12 months that his dream is to play within the NFL and because of this, he walked away from rugby to pursue American soccer. He made his foray into the league by way of the Worldwide Pathway program, a discussion board that enables gamers from totally different international locations to attempt their luck within the NFL. It’s a 10-week coaching camp after which the gamers get an opportunity to signal with NFL groups.
Jordan Schultz reported that Louis Rees-Zammit will formally signal the contract on Friday. He’ll be a part of the group for follow at coaching camp however his greatest problem will likely be to make it to the ultimate 53-man roster.
For now, it’s a step-by-step course of as his first goal is to safe one of many 16 spots accessible on the group’s follow squad. Fortunately for him, the NFL has reserved a particular spot on the follow squad of all groups solely for gamers who come from the Worldwide Participant Pathway Program.
Louis Rees-Zammit, at 23, has loads of time with him to play within the NFL
Thus far, round 34 worldwide gamers have signed with NFL groups by means of this system and 18 of them have made it to the 53-man roster. A few of the different groups that thought of signing Rees-Zammit had been the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns, and the Denver Broncos. His age permits him to be taught and adapt himself to the foundations of the NFL, which is totally different when in comparison with rugby.
There’s a motive gamers within the NFL put on pads and helmets whereas these in rugby do not- the physicality. Along with this, the playbooks are considerably totally different. It should basically be much like studying a brand new sport from scratch solely.
The league has simply not too long ago modified the kickoff guidelines which implies Rees-Zammit might want to adapt himself to that as effectively. The brand new guidelines will handle harm and concussion issues whereas guaranteeing the speed of kickoffs returned witnesses a surge.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 27, 2024
This season, solely 23% of kickoffs had been returned however after the brand new change, the quantity is anticipated to surge to 60% to 90%. Louis Rees-Zammit is a kick return specialist. With these new guidelines, he has an amazing shot at proving that his addition to the roster will likely be of worth if he can obtain the identical stage of success on the particular groups unit within the NFL as he did in rugby.
If he makes the follow squad, he would make $216,000 per 12 months. Whereas the chances of seeing him play in an NFL recreation this season are low, the Chiefs might contemplate growing him to their benefit and giving him his first begin subsequent season.
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