Will Louis Rees-Zammit make it in the NFL!?

Louis Rees-Zammit has signed a contract with the back to back Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.
He links up with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid having stepped away from professional rugby just before the 2024 Six Nations.
talkSPORT’s Will Gavin joins me to help explain the challenges for Rees-Zammit and what it means to be joining the Chiefs.

[@MichaelW969]

Another American and a Chiefs fan of 30 years. We're excited to have LRZ and if there's a coach in the NFL who can help him achieve success it's Andy Reid. Let the pursuit of a three-peat begin! #chiefskingdom

[@rebelrog2870]

The Chiefs had a running back from Nigeria that played his first football at 20 something. His name was Christian Okoye. He became known as "The Nigerian Nightmare" and we love him to this day. A big fan favorite of all time.

[@BILLEON2005]

Christian Okoye is potentially a top 5 athlete in NFL history

[@AdDa-zj9bm]

Yes " The NIGERIAN NIGHTMARE" !!!!!

[@ltaylor2799]

he landed at the best possible spot for success. he might need to spend a year learning on the practice squad before he’s ready but he still has the chance to start in a few games under the rules. i’m hoping he makes the punt return position especially since they’ve added two returners this year 🤞🏽

[@DavidLuebbert]

As a lifelong Kansas City-born Chiefs fan, I welcome Louis and hope he uses his unique skills to energize the Chiefs' offensive production, and provides a new dimension of excitement to an already incredible team. Bring it on, LRZ!

[@Jackssw]

Will they use him the same way they used Hill? Big loss when he left

[@keleynal4424]

⁠@@JacksswNot much of a chance of that. At least for a while. There’s a lot more to being a wide receiver than just running fast- you have to learn routes and learn to read the field. I could see him as a punt returner or a special case running back at first. If he thrives and learns, maybe he can do some WR work too. Don’t sleep on being “just a punt returner” though. Big returns can really swing a game.

[@Jackssw]

@@keleynal4424 can’t imagine him being used like that straight away. Will probably take a year for him to settle in completely. I don’t know much about NFL, welsh rugby fan so hope he can show what he’s capable of. Give him any space and he’s scoring. Especially how good Mahones is off the cuff with his passing.

[@keleynal4424]

@@Jackssw Andy Reid’s training camp will tell us a lot about how ready he is.

[@Jackssw]

@@keleynal4424 sounds like Andy is one man that will get the best out of him.

[@user-nk9cw5md8l]

He had secured himself a top sports agent in America Kim Miales from Roc Nation who specialises in NFL players - bit like Tom Cruise in the movie Jerry McGuire as the sports agent with that catchphrase " show me the money" I suspect Rees Zammit was planning this even before the rugby world cup in France last year as he had been training with a top NFL strength and conditioning guy over in America before Wales world cup training camp. I bet Kim Miales was the key person in securing this contract on his behalf. I don't think there was any doubt he was going to be offered a contract - Roc Nation were basically guaranteeing it and so was the IPP program as part of their deal with the NFL. I see one of the young Irish kickers on the same IPP program also has a contract, can't recall which team - could be New Orleans Saints.

[@donnacochran3335]

If he does well, the money will come. They have a great group of coordinator's and coaches for WR and RB. He's going to be fun to watch.

[@kentgrady9226]

Off the top of my head, I can think of a half dozen different, unique ways to use LRZ, specifically tailored to his background as a rugby player. And to give the big ginger well deserved credit, he is absolutely correct. That team, that coaching staff, and that quarterback are the perfect ingredients for such a witch's brew. LRZ has got a lot to learn and a lot to prove. But, I can't help but think Andy Reid wanted him for a specific reason. As for the language of football, Ginger is equally correct. It is complex by design, and complete nonsense to people unfamiliar with the game. Several years ago, my now-ex-wife woke me from a sound sleep. She asked me, "What the hell is, '43 monster, eagle right, split twister, lasso'?!?". Apparently, I had been yelling out in my sleep. By the way, what I had been yelling out was a defensive play which my high school team ran specifically for one game. To this day (36 years later) I can tell you the precise responsibility of all eleven players. Post script edit: Ok, Ginger... You were doing well until you pointed out that the skill positions are more complex than the line positions - particularly offensive linemen. For backs and receivers, a given play means one thing - run a given pass route, either I get the ball or I don't. That's an oversimplification, but it's a fair generalization. To an offensive lineman, a given play can mean executing any one of a dozen or more blocking schemes, depending on how the defensive team is lined up. Offensive linemen consistently score the highest (after quarterbacks) on the intellectual aptitude tests given to prospective players. Every year, there are dozens of players with insane physical ability, strength, and size, who simply lack the grey matter to make it in the NFL. I can think of two linemen who recently received doctoral degrees (one medical, the other in physics) while playing at the highest level. Offensive line play is extraordinarily complex. As a result, offensive linemen are often incredibly bright people. If anything, that makes the success of Jordan Mailata even more stunning than any potential success which LRZ might enjoy.

[@brek5]

Agreed, and I also think Andy Reid doesn't tend to make any decisions lightly, so I'm sure he has something cooking with this.

[@cjboyer4355]

I gotta push back a smidge on the O-Line not that anything you said was wrong but rather receivers not only have to be athletic, have great hands, be great route runners, but also sight adjusters they have to read the defense from just on side of the field and know where to go to get open in a zone. Every position in the NFL is extremely hard to make it in but I think skill positions are called skill positions for a reason. Most starting lineman are not Jason Kelce they usually have an assignment each play and follow said assignment unless audibled by the center or QB.

[@brek5]

@@cjboyer4355 I get what you're saying, but I think OP was just saying that the offensive and defensive lines also have a lot of thinking to do (more than people would think). The podcast The OLine Committee did a great breakdown of the last Super Bowl play that let to I think it was the McDuffey block or Jones sack (can't remember right now), but it was failure of the OL to adjust in the moment. I'm not affiliated with them, haha, by the way, I just like their breakdowns (and I think they're SF guys, and I'm a Chiefs fan).

[@cjboyer4355]

@@brek5 yea for sure O-Line have a lot of responsibility one missed block and the play could be dead in the water that’s why the game is won and lost in the trenches but as far as development I feel skill positions are tougher to develop.

[@brek5]

@@cjboyer4355 Yeah, for sure! I know it's hard to tell online, but my comment was not made with angst but just hope the Chiefs can do it next year, and maybe this guy can help!

[@kylekalakoda1304]

He ran a 4.43 and his 6,3 Wide receiver 40 ave 4,48 and the ave height is 6,0 so athletically his certainly big enough but I think he’ll struggle with catching in open play but running back might actually be his calling because his run style, footwork , strength etc would suit it down to a T.

[@bookman7409]

There is one hitch to him playing RB; how's his pass blocking? But as a KC fan, I see one upside, if what I hear's correct. That being that his dad was a big NFL fan, so he grew up watching the game. That's a pretty big mental edge, since it's given him time to consider how his strengths apply to the game, but also the things he needs to really lean into, to play catch-up. But I'm also optimistic for his receiving ability, since passes like screens, flat routes, and short hitches aren't that far removed from catching a rugby ball that's tossed to him in a game. Learning a full WR route tree, however, is tougher than it might seem, since that requires drilling in muscle memory. If he gets enough time, though, so we'll see.

[@edwardhicks9481]

most reciver are 6'1 to 6'2 and most run 4.4

[@kylekalakoda1304]

@@edwardhicks9481 Do you think I literally made those stats up 😂😂😂

[@gingski1]

Great interview.

[@keitha6314]

Great interview

[@starsportscards8688]

LRZ's top speed is intriguing. If he can get anywhere near that in pads, you can't teach that kind of speed. I'm looking forward to see if the Chiefs organization can develop him & will be rooting for him in the preseason.

[@chrispugh2450]

can someone tell me what exactly as a 23 yr old he has to lose!!???? quids in and clubs begging for hime to come back to rugby if he fails!!. The guy is following his dreams and i hope he smashes it!!!

[@chiganuggoo9929]

Exactly this.

[@user-sd3hb6ru1w]

Getting this placement with a franchise is no surprise, he was expected to do so given the pathway open to the IPP system. Getting on the field is entirely different and my money is still on him returning to rugby within 3 years. But only time will tell and good luck to the lad.

[@jamesshively7549]

Chiefs fan here. Rees is fast, maneuverable, and can catch. I bet he sees the pitch this season.

[@patrickmcgrath5048]

I've been telling this to the Chiefs-only KZbin vidbloggers: the Chiefs chose LRZ because he can have a Super Bowl mentality. They did not choose any average rugger. They chose one whose been selected for the Six Nations, the World Cup, the Lions, and who has been through the Premiership. And also has a little experience in helmet and pads in Cardiff.

[@ericdavison6186]

thanks.

[@frankbrower1375]

It would be fun to see Kelce throw a wild pitch (backwards pass) to him in the open field. It's a long shot and I wonder if NFL teams will get a comp pick for trying to make it work with a player out of this International pool.

[@alunmorgan2352]

4.2s and 4.3S in IPP according to head coach

[@joshmeadors2427]

Rashee Rice just got into deep shit with the law and will more than likely not be on the team. So there is another open spot and a chance for Louise as a WR 😮

[@bevtuft3572]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@fortniteburger8747]

Well the nfl seems to be pretty soft with punishments like this. I think he’ll only be suspended for half the season or so

[@Jackssw]

They will hopefully use him as they used Hill. They missed using those plays when hill left, hopefully he can be used.

[@robertwood6297]

Will knows his stuff

[@jefflever2964]

NFL fan here. LRZ weight is fine as a wide receiver. He would need to add 10-15lbs to be a running back. Good Video otherwise.

[@michaelgrant2132]

Enjoy that chat with Will Gavin.

[@javimarulu4247]

Yes, he can play

[@MrHello-nx4xs]

I wish the guy luck. However, we have hundreds of high schoolers and college players that would be better.

[@scottbartram7269]

What do you base that on?

[@MrHello-nx4xs]

@@scottbartram7269 Base it on? Do you live in the US?

[@bloodhoundgang1642]

I bet you don't..

[@MrHello-nx4xs]

@@bloodhoundgang1642 You don’t know our talent.

[@bloodhoundgang1642]

@@MrHello-nx4xs and you don't know our talent..you seem to forget this guy is already a professional athlete used to big game pressure and playing in front of 80,000 people..

[@CharlieRogers50]

It's possible, but if we're keeping it real he probably won't make it in the NFL. Although he's incredibly athletic compared to rugby or many other sports, he's sub-par compared to the world-class athletes in the NFL based on the international combine numbers and measurements. As you state, the Chiefs will most likely start him returning punts and kicks, and if he's able to make some plays in training camp and pre-season he could carve out a role there. He will NOT start by playing RB and WR as those are incredibly nuanced positions that require significant understanding of NFL offenses, especially in Andy Reid's notoriously complex offensives system. ALLEDGEDLY he was clocked at 24 mph on the rugby pitch at some point, and that would put him in elite company. However, the NFL is a game of explosiveness and set pieces. The average NFL play is 4 seconds, and then you get a 35 second rest and go again. How explosive can he be in 4 seconds? Although there are some transferable skills from rugby, American football is a VERY different game. The other elephant in the room is that most of the great athletes having success at skill positions in the NFL/NBA are of West African descent. Genealogically those with ancestors from West Africa have the best chance to be elite explosive athletes in American football/basketball. Obviously, Rees-Zammit doesn't share that ancestral background. He's got short arms and probably more long-twitch than short-twitch muscle fibers based on his heritage. Two of the best measures of explosiveness are the vertical and broad jumps, and Rees-Zammit was below average at both. All this is not to say it's impossible for him to make it, just highly improbable. It would make for a great story if does well, though, and I hope he makes some noise.

[@aldobonaso3481]

NFL is SOOO bad, but I hope he succeeds anyway!

[@Irished58]

If given an honest shot. I’m not sure we will have the gonads to give it a chance.

[@Richard-mq7wf]

Chiefs fan. He will need to bulk up. Andy likes smart players. It's rare for someone outside the sport to make it on the 53 man active roster this year. Probably practice squad this year.

[@craigsparks1442]

Who cares, no one outside of the US even watches that shit

[@billasgija390]

We don’t care. Talk about rugby

[@michaelgrant2132]

We meaning you.

[@tigeratlas]

Odds are against him.