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In April, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to a three-year contract that raised a lot of eyebrows around the league. Against what many people initially thought, he has excelled during the first training period of preseason.
Rees-Zammit stepped away from his sport in January to the International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which was established in 2017 with the main goal of giving athletes from around the world the chance to test their skills in NFL.
Now, the 23-year-old player is set to be on verge of starting for the Super Bowl defending champions in the 2024 season. Assistant coach Dave Toub said he is on pace to be a potential starter at kickoff return for the team. "He's done above & beyond what I've expected. He wants to be great & he's a great athlete," he said after Thursday's practice.
The Welsh player was one of 15 of the IPP class of 2024 who participated in the University of South Florida pro-day on March 20, where he recorded a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, something that led to a great impression to many scouts.
Earning a spot in a different sport
By g with Kansas City, Rees-Zammit ed 37 former players from the program in g a contract. His next goal will be to five who have been part of an active roster, as they are fellow Eagles rugby player and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, Commanders defensive end Efe Obada, free agent fullback Jakob Johnson and two more former Washington players, tight end Sammis Reyes and defensive lineman David Bada.
As part of the new 2024 rulebook, NFL teams can use a number 17 spot on their practice squads reserved exclusively for an international player. That player can be promoted to the active roster up to three times during the season.
If Rees-Zammit can carve out a spot, either through the three allowed promotions or by earning a spot on the final 53-man roster, he offers an attractive skill set for the Super Bowl champions. According to reports, he has already secured a g bonus and more income that includes some guaranteed money.