Louis Rees-Zammit Misses Out on Kansas City Chiefs' 53-Man Squad but NFL Dream Still Alive

Former Welsh rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit has not made the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man squad for the 2024 NFL season, marking a setback in his ambitious transition from rugby to American football. The 23-year-old, who shocked the sports world by quitting rugby in January to pursue an NFL career, had been training with the Chiefs throughout the offseason and featured in all three of their pre-season games. However, despite his efforts, he was not selected on the NFL's 'cutdown day.'

NFL teams are required to trim their rosters from a 90-man offseason training squad to 53 players by a set deadline, which for this season was Tuesday. Rees-Zammit's exclusion from the Chiefs' final roster does not spell the end of his NFL aspirations, though. The young athlete will now enter the waiver system, where he could potentially be signed by another team.

However, it is more likely that Rees-Zammit will continue training with the Chiefs as part of their practice squad. This role would provide him with more time to adjust to the sport, a crucial period for someone who only began his NFL journey this year through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP). The Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions, can promote Rees-Zammit to their active roster up to three times during the season, offering him the chance to see regular-season action.

Rees-Zammit’s NFL adventure began with a 10-week training camp under the IPP program, after which he was signed by the Chiefs. Initially earmarked as a running back, the versatile athlete was tested in various positions throughout the pre-season as the Chiefs tried to find his optimal role. His chances of making the final squad took a hit when the Chiefs re-signed experienced receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was given the number nine jersey that Rees-Zammit had worn during pre-season.

Despite not making the cut, Rees-Zammit's journey remains an inspiring story of an athlete willing to take risks and step outside his comfort zone. His determination and adaptability could still see him make an impact in the NFL, with his current focus likely on continuing to develop his skills with the Chiefs’ practice squad.

Rees-Zammit is not alone in navigating the challenges of transitioning to the NFL from other sports. Fellow IPP participant Praise Olatoke, a former sprinter, was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers but was released after just one pre-season game. Similarly, former Gaelic footballers Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney missed out on spots with the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, respectively. Meanwhile, former Basingstoke rugby player Travis Clayton is set to continue training with the Buffalo Bills once he recovers from a shoulder injury that sidelined him during pre-season.

In a broader context, the NFL continues to evolve, with team owners recently voting to allow private equity investment in the league. This landmark decision could inject billions of dollars into the NFL, traditionally run as family businesses or owned by wealthy individuals. Firms are now allowed to purchase a stake of up to 10% in franchises, signaling a significant shift in the league's financial landscape.

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, Louis Rees-Zammit’s journey will be one to watch, with the potential for the former rugby star to make his mark in American football still very much alive.