Louis Rees-Zammit has revealed how Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce sent him a message of support after his blockbuster move to the Chiefs.
Rees-Zammit opened up on his new adventure after signing a three-year deal with the reigning Super Bowl champions following his shock switch from rugby. The contract, believed to be worth around $870,000 a year, will see Rees-Zammit rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sport. Quarterback Mahomes has led the Chiefs to three Super Bowl wins in the past five years, while Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift has seen him become the league’s biggest star.
But both players took the time to reach out to Rees-Zammit, 23, a graduate of the NFL’s International Player Pathway. ‘Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce messaged me,’ the Welshman revealed on the Rugby Pod. ‘Just saying welcome to KC, (and) if I ever need anything then let me know.’ He added: ‘I’m going to go train with Pat and the receivers, and it’s going to be an amazing experience. There’s no one better to learn from than the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and (head coach) Andy Reid.’
It’s claimed Kansas City ‘rolled out the red carpet’ for the former rugby star, who gave up a lucrative and successful rugby career to chase his NFL dream. Rees-Zammit reportedly met with Super Bowl winning coach Reid and his staff – a privilege not always afforded to young prospects eyeing a contract with a team. ‘It still hasn’t sunk in yet. I think it’s going to sink in when I meet all the boys and I get to training on the first day. It’s been an absolute whirlwind for three months,’ he added.
The Welshman was listed as a running back by the Chiefs following his arrival but he revealed that, initially, he is likely to be used primarily as a kick-off returner. ‘So the plan we’ve got is obviously the new kick-off rules this year are absolutely massive,’ Rees-Zammit explained. Ahead of the 2024 season, the NFL has revamped the play in a bid to hike return rates by incentivizing players such as Rees-Zammit to run the ball back.
‘That’s where my main position is going to be, so I’ve got to fight to be a starter in that position this year. ‘And then within the offense, it’s about how quick I can learn the play because we’ve got a plan to put me in various positions, play out the backfield at running back, be a slot receiver and just being able to use me as much as possible and be creative with me.’ He’s already on first-name terms! 😎@LouisReesZammit chats about his big welcome from the @Chiefs on @TheRugbyPod 🏴🏈 pic.twitter.com/8CFGE4ywKa
