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'Rugby really prepared me'- Louis Rees-Zammit grilled by NFL media
By Ian Cameron
Louis Rees-Zammit has offered an update on progress at the Kansas City Chiefs, after he faced a media scrum at their recent training camp on Friday.
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The former Wales rugby star is working hard behind the scenes to master his new sport and admits his biggest hurdle will be getting to grips with the team’s playbook.
The 23-year-old is aiming to make the Chiefs 53-man roster, which would be an enormous achievement given he is competing against athletes who have been playing American football since childhood. Early noises coming out of camp suggest that ‘LRZ’ is very much in contention, with both coaches and teammates impressed with his athleticism and work ethic.
“I think it’s just learning all the plays. It’s so different from what I’m used to. Obviously, in rugby, you don’t have to learn as much, but I think physically, I’m in good shape,” he told reporters, crediting rugby for having put him in a good position to tackle the NFL on a physical front. “I think rugby really prepared me for this, with the conditioning and being in good physical shape. The biggest difference is just mental, staying on top of things, staying on top of the playbook and making no mistakes.
“I’m non-stop trying to learn this playbook because as soon as I can stop thinking and can just play fast, that’s the biggest thing for me. We don’t finish meetings until 8 pm and I probably go to bed at 10 pm, so an extra two hours just learning the plays.
“I’m playing catch up with a lot of people who have played American football since they were little kids. There’s no time to rest for me. I have to give this my all because ultimately, this is my dream. To make it come true, I have to be a step ahead of a lot of people.”
Rees-Zammit says he is now looking forward to training in pads in full contact sessions.
“Oh, I’m excited! I can’t wait to see the difference,” he said. “I get that question all the time. What’s harder-hitting, rugby or American football? We’ll soon find out.
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“It’s going to be fun. I’ve played a contact sport since I was 12 years old. That’s bone-on-bone, but we’ll see what it’s like when we come to pads.”
“It’s going to be exciting. I’ve played in front of big crowds, so I don’t think the occasion is going to get to me, but obviously it’s going to be a proud day for myself and my family if I get on the field.
“Then, it’s just about showing what I can do , every time I get the ball in my hands, being able to be a difference maker and just being able to help the team as much as I can. I’m very excited for that day.”
Many believe that the Welshman will ultimately end up as punt returner on special teams and Rees-Zammit didn’t shy away from that likelihood, especially given new kick-off rules in the NFL that could play into his skillset.
“This kickoff rule is new, so no one knows what’s going to come. We do have some creative plays, and I’m not going to mention them now, but hopefully you’ll see them in the preseason games. Coach [Dave] Toub and Coach [Andy] Hill are very creative people, so I’m just giving it my all on the field and trying to be the best player and person possible for the team. It’s going to be fun.”
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“The first goal is to make the team. I know special teams is going to be massive for me, I’ve been working really hard on that. Learning the running back roles, being able to learn pass-protection and then learning my routes off that, I think all of it adds up and the main way I’m going to make this team is by learning pass-protection and be able to be a key role on special teams.”
More of a side note. No idea about this sport, but it seems not be easy to switch. I hope for Wales that he returns playing Rugby for his country anytime. Pretty sad how this proud rugby nation has fallen so fast. They have been good losers against us for 71 years, but I want them to be competitive.
Looking forward to seeing how he rolls. A talented athlete and no doubt whatsoever he would be welcomed back to rugby with open arms if it doesn’t happen for him. Best of luck and hope he plays to his very best.