I loved it – Louis Rees-Zammit enjoys pre-season debut for Kansas City Chiefs
Louis Rees-Zammit made his first appearance for the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL pre-season friendly loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 23-year-old former Wales wing made headlines in January when he quit rugby union to pursue a new career in American football.
Rees-Zammit, who subsequently signed a three-year deal with the reigning Super Bowl champions, performed as running back, kicker and kick-returner during Saturday’s match, in addition to being part of the punt coverage team.
Electric
“It was a great first experience,” he told the Irish NFL Show following the Chiefs’ 26-13 defeat at EverBank Stadium in Florida.
“I loved it, I loved getting the snaps I did, on special teams as well which was great. I’ve just got to look back on this, review it and see how I can get better.
“The atmosphere was great, it was pretty electric in the stadium and there was a load of Chiefs fans, which helped massively. It was a great game and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
The Chiefs, who begin the regular NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, continue their pre-season fixtures at home to the Detroit Lions next Saturday.
Elsewhere, former Gaelic football goalkeeper Charlie Smyth marked his debut for the New Orleans Saints by kicking a dramatic winning field goal to secure a 16-14 pre-season success at the Arizona Cardinals.
The rookie 22-year-old Irishman, who, like Rees-Zammit, joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year, converted from 37 yards with just five seconds remaining.
“I thought it was awesome,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen told a press conference.
“First kick in an American football game and for him to knock it through like that in a pressure situation was cool to see.”
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Although I wish Louis Rees-Zammit was still playing rugby union, as we need desperately need the best playing for Wales more than ever , the positive I can take out of his crossing codes to American football is that he’s promoting Wales to America and wider world. And if he’s a success, which it looks like he will be, can only be beneficial to Wales and Welsh sport. Just look at the Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney effect on Wrexham. They’ve done more in their short time promoting Wales than Westminster ever have.
And the Senedd lot..
Bit different, those in the senedd have one hand tied behind their back….its almost been set up to fail, designed to have the Britons run back to Westminster thinking they are unable to run their own affairs. Reverse psychology 101.
Agree Reynolds,McElhenney and Rees-Zammit have done more to promote Cymru in The USA than what Sir Tom Jones has done in his entire career.
He isn’t a RB, he should be used as a WR! He doesn’t have the footwork needed in NFL, but his straight line speed is perfect for a Wide receiver position.