Louis Rees-Zammit Waived by Kansas City Chiefs, But NFL Dream Remains Alive

Louis Rees-Zammit’s bid to break into the NFL took a hit as the Kansas City Chiefs, reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions, waived the 23-year-old on Tuesday as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players for the upcoming season. While the move ends his immediate hopes of making the Chiefs' regular-season squad, it doesn’t mark the end of his NFL journey.

Rees-Zammit, who transitioned from rugby union to American football through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, faced stiff competition in one of the league’s most competitive teams. To date, no wide receivers or running backs have made a regular-season roster after coming through the IPP, making Rees-Zammit's quest all the more challenging.

The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, are on a historic quest to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. They kick off their season on September 6 with a home game against the Baltimore Ravens, with eyes set on Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans next February. The intense competition within the team likely contributed to the decision to waive Rees-Zammit, as the Chiefs seek to maintain their elite status in the league.

Despite this setback, Rees-Zammit’s NFL ambitions are far from over. He still has the opportunity to catch the eye of the Chiefs or another NFL franchise, potentially earning a spot on a practice squad or a future roster. His speed, athleticism, and potential make him an intriguing prospect, and teams may still see value in developing his skills further.

For now, Rees-Zammit’s future in professional sports remains focused on American football, with no immediate plans to return to rugby union. As he continues to pursue his NFL dream, fans of both rugby and football will be watching closely to see where his journey takes him next.