Former Wales and British & Irish Lions standout Louis Rees-Zammit has officially joined the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year contract, the franchise revealed on Friday. The 23-year-old winger, who shocked the rugby world with his decision to switch to American football in January, left a lasting impression during his stint in the NFL's international player pathway program. Rees-Zammit's transition from rugby to football occurred just before Wales' Six Nations campaign as he pursued his dream of playing in the NFL.

His emergence in the player pathway program caught the attention of NFL scouts, who are eyeing him for roles as a running back and wide receiver. The Chiefs made a significant announcement on their website, declaring, "The Kansas City Chiefs made a major move by signing former European rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit to the team." After visiting multiple NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos, Rees-Zammit confirmed his signing in a video posted by the Chiefs on social media, expressing his excitement for the opportunity.

Now, Rees-Zammit must prove himself worthy of a spot on the Chiefs' final roster for the upcoming season as he aims to play alongside stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The defending Super Bowl champions noted, "Rees-Zammit showcased his skills during the international player pathway program workout earlier this month, impressing NFL scouts with a blistering 4.44-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked fifth among tailbacks at the 2024 NFL scouting combine.

" Despite his success in rugby, with 14 tries in 31 Tests for Wales and inclusion in the British & Irish Lions squad for the 2021 tour to South Africa, Rees-Zammit faces significant challenges ahead in earning a place on the Chiefs' roster. While he possesses the necessary athleticism, the learning curve for mastering NFL routes and strategies against seasoned veterans presents a formidable task. If he falls short of making the main 53-man roster, the former Wales international may find himself on the practice squad, a possibility enhanced by the league's expansion to accommodate an international player in each team.

This expansion, in response to the success of programs like the international player pathway, offers Rees-Zammit another chance to prove his NFL potential.