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Louis Rees-Zammit runs length of the field TD in Chiefs training camp
By Ian Cameron
Louis Rees-Zammit executed an impressive play involving a length-of-the-field punt return during a Kansas City Chiefs training camp session on Wednesday.
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The session took place at Missouri Western State University where Rees-Zammit has been in camp since July 16. The former rugby union winger participated in drills designed for rookies and quarterbacks and he certainly had an opportunity to impress coaches.
During the practice the Chiefs focused on the new kickoff rule – which prevents the kicking team from advancing until the receiving player catches the ball or it hits the ground.
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Many believe the new rules will give Rees-Zammit a heightened opportunity to showcase his skills as a punt returner as it will give him more space and time before having to navigate defenders when returning punts.
In a video clip of the drill Rees-Zammit catches the ball and uses his 24 mph pace to navigate through the field, evading would-be tacklers, before completing the return by reaching the end zone.
A small Chiefs fans social media account – Chief Matters – highlighted the play, noting Rees-Zammit’s rugby background making the role a natural fit for the 23-year-old NFL rookie.
The Welshman joined the Chiefs as part of the International Player Pathway program and it is reported that his likely participation in these special teams plays could influence his chances of making the final 53-man roster for the upcoming season.
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The training camp session was attended by both fans and media and provided a glimpse of Rees-Zammit’s potential contributions to the team may ultimately lie, his versatility being a factor.
And it wasn’t just punt returning, as he was also filmed taking kick-offs as well as receiving them.
Louis Rees-Zammit has already received an endorsement from star Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said: “He’s fast, very fast…We’re starting him at running back. He’ll do a lot of special teams stuff, and he can actually catch. So it looks different. He catches it like he’s catching a rugby (ball), but he never drops the football, so you don’t complain about it.
“And I think what’s been the best part about it is he works his tail off. The athletic ability is unreal. He’s got the toughness, but until he gets in the game and understands how to move and how to use that athletic ability, you don’t know exactly where he’s at. But [when] he’s in space, man, he can make stuff happen.”
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Why do reporters try to sensationalise things. This was a training run. No-one laid a finger on him and it was done at a snails pace. We all hope LRZ makes it and we see him lining up when the season kicks off in September but please do not try and make out he is ripping things up. Public practice is fake as in all sports. Nothing is given away and the players understand the rules.
I regularly run the length of my street, streaks ahead of everyone, with the eye of the tiger playing in my mind.