In this offseason, one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ most intriguing free-agent signings has been international rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. So far, head coach Andy Reid has liked what he’s seen from the football newcomer, whom the Chiefs list as a running back.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73332257/1890596560.0.jpg)
“He’s so diligent with everything — and wants to be so good at everything,” Reid told reporters on Monday at the conclusion of the team’s three-day rookie minicamp. “I’ve appreciated that. And you can see the progress he’s made.”
Learning an entirely new sport that most opponents have been playing since childhood presents a unique set of obstacles for Rees-Zammit. The Welsh-born footballer said one area where rugby and American football are “completely different” is play-calling.
“In rugby,” explained Rees-Zammit, “it’s very free-flowing — unless you get a set piece. That’s when you call a play. That’s probably 20 to 30 plays a game. Here, you’re talking hundreds.
While the 23-year-old said that rookie minicamp was great, he can’t expect to pick up the game immediately.
“The more reps I do, the better I’ll get,” he promised. “It’s definitely going to take time — but you know, I’m willing to put the work in.”
Rees-Zammit was among the offensive players who went to Texas to practice with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (and his trainer Bobby Stoupe) in March. He called it an “amazing” experience.
“All the quarterbacks and receivers were there,” he reported. “We were running routes. We were working in the gym — working on different movements with Bobby Stoupe. It was a great two weeks — and I definitely learned a lot with Pat and all the other boys.”
He believes the experience helped advance his knowledge of the game.
“I want to be out there playing,” he said, “So the way I can do that is by picking the brains of everyone that’s currently here — trying to learn the game as quick as possible.”
But during the minicamp, a tantalizing moment showed what could be possible. Rees-Zammit broke free on a screen — and went all the way.
“I thought he was going to dive into the end zone,” joked Reid, referring to Rees-Zammit’s signature scoring move in rugby.
“It’s amazing when there’s open field,” said the running back of the rep. “I feel like I’m playing rugby again. I can use my awareness when I am in space. That’s when I can cause the most damage. The more I can do that, the more I can help the team.”
