'There’s not much time' - LRZ's NFL career up against the clock

Louis Rees-Zammit is working around the clock to make sure his dream of playing in the NFL becomes reality as he moves ever closer to making his debut for the Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

The former Wales and Lions winger is set to wear the full American football kit for the first time and make his debut at the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Chiefs pre-season opener on August 10.

Rees-Zammit signed a contract with the Chiefs in March after joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme earlier in the year is in team meetings at training camp until 8 pm every evening.

He then spends the two hours until lights out studying. As he points out, this pre-season is a lot different than he was used to with Gloucester and Wales before he moved across the pond.

“I’m playing catch-up with a lot of people that have played American football since they were little kids, 6 years old. So there’s no time for rest.

“I’ve got to give this my all because, ultimately, this is my dream. And to make it come true, I’ve got to play. I’ve got to be a step ahead of a lot of people,” he told the Kansas City Star.

Adding: “I’m excited. I can’t wait to see the difference (between American football and rugby). I get that question all the time. What’s harder hitting, rugby or American football? But we’ll soon find out.

“I need to try and learn this quick, because there’s not much time. Training camp’s only, what, two months? So I’ve got to learn as quick as I can and give it my best effort. 

“I’m nonstop trying to learn this playbook because as soon as I can start not having to think about playing and just playing fast, that’s the biggest thing for me.

“The main way I’m going to make this team is by learning pass protection and being able to play a key role on special teams.”