Louis Rees-Zammit entered the NFL through the International Pathway Program.
Louis Rees-Zammit and Patrick Mahomes (via IMAGO)
The Kansas City Chiefs have left no stone unturned in terms of recruitment this off-season. They have made sure to bring in new weapons at wide receiver through the NFL Draft and the team brought in rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
Louis Rees-Zammit is an absolute unit and he has impressed his coaches and quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his athletic prowess. On the latest iteration of Riggle’s Rick podcast hosted by Rob Riggle, when Mahomes was asked about Rees-Zammit, the quarterback had nothing but praise for him and elaborated a bit on his future role in the Kansas City Chiefs offense.
Patrick Mahomes wasted no time in appreciating the speed of the newest member of the Chiefs.
Speed is indeed one of Rees-Zammit’s biggest assets. In 2023, he clocked in at a remarkable pace of 24.2 mph. He ran the 100m race in 10.44 seconds. To put that into context, only 36 professional male British sprinters ran quicker in 2023.
Given he ran the NFL’s 40-yard-dash in just 4.43 seconds, it is clear as day that the rugby player is brimming with potential. However, the real question is if his speed can translate onto the gridiron.
In the NFL, speed is not the only thing that counts. Louis Rees-Zammit will need to be able to have phenomenal footwork and learn to create space in order to put himself in a position to make the most out of his speed.
The Chiefs have a strong running back room consisting of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Isiah Pacheco, they are now in a position to add Louis Rees-Zammit and further strengthen it. While rookie Deneric Prince will be above the former rugby player in the pecking order at the moment, there is no guaranteeing that two years from now. Rees-Zammit could be promoted and end up being among the top three options in the running back room.
Louis Rees-Zammit is just 23-years of age, and he has a lot of time to hone his craft and get better at football. The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes understand that he is not a piece who will have an immediate impact on the team, but if all goes well, he surely can contribute to this offense. The entry of Rees-Zammit into the league is a testament to the success of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.