Louis Rees-Zammit made his debut for the Kansas City Chiefs in a pre-season defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, seven months on from his final game of rugby union for Gloucester.
The 23-year-old former Wales wing was used in multiple ways by the Chiefs in their 26-13 defeat in Jacksonville, with Rees-Zammit featuring as a running back on offense but also on special teams as part of the kick-off unit.
Rees-Zammit finished with two carries, making one yard, and also caught the only pass thrown his way for three yards.
He also contributed on special teams by making one tackle, while also taking one of the kick-offs himself in the fourth quarter which went for 56 yards according to stats from the game.
Rees-Zammit told The Irish NFL Show afterwards: “I loved it. Loved getting the snaps that I did, on special teams as well. Just have to look back and review it, see how I can get better.
“I had a kick-off, being able to play special team is amazing, exploit my skills. I’m happy and can see how I can get better. The atmosphere was great, pretty electric in the stadium, a load of Chiefs fans which helped massively. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Kansas City have two more pre-season games left against the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears for Rees-Zammit to impress before reducing their roster ahead of the regular season. On the team’s current depth chart he is listed as the fourth-choice running back and third-choice kick returner.
Rees-Zammit’s versatility could work in his favour although the former British and Irish Lions tourist is naturally still adapting to the sport based on comments made by local Kansas City reporters regarding his running style. They noted that his tackling was currently his strength.
Should he fail to make the 53-man roster then Rees-Zammit could end up on the team’s practice squad, a reserve group who remain attached to the team and can be called up at any time, to continue learning his new craft ahead of making a push to be part of the Chiefs final roster next year.
Elsewhere, Irish kicker Charlie Smyth had a more decisive impact on his debut for the New Orleans Saints, landing a 39-yard field goal with five seconds left to win their game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Smyth is one of only two kickers currently on the Saints roster ahead of next season along with Blake Grupe, New Orleans’ starter from 2023.
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