The NFL’s drastic new kickoff rules have the Chiefs thinking outside the box — and the sport.
The back-to-back Super Bowl champs will sign rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit on Friday and he will be listed as a wide receiver/running back, according to Bleacher Report.
The report says the Chiefs will consider using him on kickoffs.
The 23-year-old reportedly wowed Kansas City during a workout earlier in the week, and he also visited with the Jets, Browns and Broncos, per Bleacher Report.
Rees-Zammit, a Wales native, is labeled by ESPN as “by far the biggest rugby star” attempting to make the NFL via the International Player Pathway.
After starring in England with Gloucester, he announced in February his plans to play in the NFL.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration,” Reez-Zammit posted on Instagram. “I a move that I am extremely excited about, I can confirm that I will be joining the NFL’s International Pathway program (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on an NFL roster in the United States for 2024.”
He added: “Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby, but rather at this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset.”
The International Player Pathway Program, founded in 2017, states it “helps foreign-born football players reach the NFL.” It claims 18 current NFL players, including Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata.
The NFL announced last September it would expand practice squads for the 2024 season to include a 17th roster spot for one international player.
Rees-Zammit reportedly registered a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the IPP Pro Day, along with a nine-feet, seven-inch broad jump and 29-inch vertical jump, according to ESPN.
He told the outlet his favorite NFL player was former Eagles star DeSean Jackson.
The new kickoff rules are designed to increase returns, and there are rugby elements in kickoff returns, which would allow Rees-Zammit to potentially contribute.
Rees-Zammit joins a Chiefs team that lacked consistent production from its skill positions, beyond Travis Kelce, late-season revelation Rashee Rice and running back Isiah Pacheco.
The Chiefs notably received little from wide receiver Kadarius Toney.
Kansas City added receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in free agency to help solidify the position.