Louis Rees-Zammit set to sign for Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs

Louis Rees-Zammit is set to take a major stride towards fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL by signing for Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs, according to reports from the United States.

Bleacher Report’s NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Wednesday that the 23-year-old will sign with the four-time Super Bowl champions on Friday, after RugbyPass reported earlier this week that they were lining him up.

The 32-cap Wales international will be signed as a running back/ wide receiver.

Is the Welsh dragon dead? | RPTV

Can Welsh rugby come back from this disastrous Six Nations campaign? Watch the full Six Nations breakdown on the Boks Office on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Is the Welsh dragon dead? | RPTV

Can Welsh rugby come back from this disastrous Six Nations campaign? Watch the full Six Nations breakdown on the Boks Office on RugbyPass TV

Watch now

Schultz wrote on X: “Rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will be signing with the Chiefs on Friday, per sources.

“After working out and impressing Kansas City’s staff earlier this week, they have agreed on terms. I’m told Rees-Zammit will be playing RB/WR.”

Rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will be signing with the #Chiefs on Friday, per sources.

After working out and impressing Kansas City’s staff earlier this week, they have agreed on terms. I’m told Rees-Zammit will be playing RB/WR. pic.twitter.com/o6ftzwhC6F

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 27, 2024

This completes the first step in the former Gloucester wing’s odyssey to play in the NFL, which started in January when he announced his move to the International Player Pathway program (IPP) just minutes before Warren Gatland was set to name his squad for the Guinness Six Nations.

He recently partook in the IPP Pro Day at the University of South Florida, clocking a time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard sprint, a time he said he was “disappointed” in. It was obviously enough to pique the interest of the reigning NFL champions though.

Clubs will begin their offseason workout programmes next month with a three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp in May. The full training camp will begin in July, where Rees-Zammit will link up with his future teammates and superstars of the game such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.

It will not be until August, when club’s announce their 53-player roster, that Rees-Zammit will find out if he has made the cut or not, with the new season beginning in September.

This move comes just days after Rees-Zammit signed a management agreement with Roc Nation Sports, owned by Jay-Z, whose clients include Mario Itoje, Ellis Genge, Marcus Smith, Ardie Savea, and Siya Kolisi.

After signing, he said via Roc Nation Sports: “The past few months since announcing my career decision to join the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on the National Football League roster in the United States for 2024 have been an exciting whirlwind.

“Following 10 weeks of training at IMG academy, the IPPP’s pro day led to a lot of interesting calls and scheduled visits to a few NFL teams. These developments have ultimately directed me to make my next decision as I pursue this new challenge in my career.

“I have decided to sign with Roc Nation Sports and agent Kim Miale to represent my NFL endeavours and negotiate my on-field contract. It was an easy choice to select an agency that could properly advocate for my new NFL career venture while also understanding the significance of my time as a rugby player.

“Roc Nation Sports International represents an arsenal of impressive rugby players and I am so proud 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 thrilled to represent Louis Rees-Zammit. He’s a dynamic athlete with a compelling story. We are honoured to be part of Louis’ journey to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL after already establishing an illustrious rugby career.

“I am personally excited to work with Louis on this endeavour. With his athleticism, size, speed and work ethic, the sky is the limit. I look forward to watching Louis join an NFL roster and thrive throughout this upcoming season!”