However, his ambitious dream of making it to the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man roster has hit a snag, as the Chiefs announced that Rees-Zammit did not make the final cut for the 2024 season. Despite this setback, the 23-year-old remains undeterred, with several intriguing options still available for his burgeoning NFL career - or elsewhere?
From Rugby Union to the NFL: A Leap of Faith
The decision of Rees-Zammit, a 2021 Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship winner, to switch sports shocked the rugby world. As a key player for Wales and Gloucester and a rising star with an exceptional 14 tries in 32 caps, the sky was very much the limit for him in the sport. But the allure of the NFL - a sport that always interested him thanks to his father’s passion - proved irresistible. His athletic prowess, notably his blistering speed (clocking 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash), made him a compelling candidate for the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP), a program designed to transition athletes from other sports into American football.
The Kansas City Chiefs: A Tough Challenge
The Kansas City Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions, signed Rees-Zammit to a three-year deal, marking him as a player of interest but not yet guaranteeing him a spot on their active roster. Rees-Zammit’s journey with the Chiefs included pre-season games where he showcased his versatility, appearing as a running back, wide receiver, special teams player, and even a kicker. However, unlike some other IPP alumni who had immediate impacts, like Christian Wade’s breathtaking 65-yard touchdown in his first game for the Buffalo Bills, Rees-Zammit’s performances were promising but fell short of securing him a roster spot .
What’s Next for Rees-Zammit?
While not making the Chiefs' final roster is a disappointment, Rees-Zammit's NFL journey is far from over. He could still join the Chiefs' practice squad, where he would continue training and learning the intricacies of American football. This option would not only keep him within the NFL system but also provide him with further opportunities to break into the main squad during the season. The IPP also allows other NFL teams to sign him, potentially as their designated IPP player, which would give him another route into the league.
Alternatively, a return to rugby union remains on the table. Rees-Zammit’s bold move has only increased his profile, and a return would likely see him welcomed back with open arms by both club and country. His journey thus far, regardless of the outcome, has added an intriguing chapter to his career, one that showcases his willingness to challenge himself and explore new frontiers.
Why This Story Resonates
Rees-Zammit's story is one of ambition and courage. It's not just about a rugby star trying his hand at a new sport, it's about pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown. The transition from rugby to the NFL is notoriously difficult, with many before him, such as England's aforementioned Wade - who ironically is now filling the spot Rees-Zammit left at Gloucester - and England age grade star Alex Gray (now featuring on TV's Gladiators), trying and struggling to make a lasting impact. Yet the sheer audacity of Rees-Zammit's move has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, highlighting the universal appeal of chasing a dream against the odds - not to mention the potential all-star appeal of Rees-Zammit as a brand in his own right.
One thing is for certain: many Welsh rugby fans would love to see their once and future king back in the red of Wales, rather than the red of Kansas. Whether that happens as soon as next year's Guinness Men's Six Nations, we can only speculate. Rees-Zammit informed Warren Gatland of his American football ambitions on the eve of this year's Championship, suggesting drastic career choices can be made quickly.
Understanding the NFL International Player Pathway
The NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) is a programme aimed at increasing the number of international players in the NFL. Established in 2017, the IPP provides an opportunity for athletes from outside the United States to train and compete at the highest level of American football. Players who join the IPP are allocated to NFL teams, where they can earn a spot on the practice squad with an additional roster exemption for the team, allowing them to develop their skills further. The programme has produced notable NFL players like Jordan Mailata, who transitioned from Australian rugby league to become a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
