In 2017, the NFL reintroduced the International Player Pathway Program. This program allows players from around the world a chance to make it in the NFL. Over the past few years, Kansas City has utilized this program to add international talent. In 2023, they signed offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick, who will be going into his third season with the team this year.
Then, in 2024, Kansas City signed Welsh Rugby player Louis Rees-Zammit. Rees-Zammit played running back during the preseason for the Chiefs. However, he failed to make Kansas City's 53-man roster or practice squad in 2024. This resulted in him signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he is still under contract.
That said, the 24-year-old recently revealed that he may be leaving the NFL and returning to rugby soon. In a recent article from Grant Gorsdon of Around the NFL, Rees-Zammit discussed his future. "I'm 24 now, probably got one to two more years to try and make it, depending on how this year goes," he said. "I'll be 25, 26 when I go back to rugby. I like to think I can still play at the highest level."
Jaguars' Louis Rees-Zammit offers NFL deadline with likely return to rugby https://t.co/uYFBPO52kz
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 25, 2025
Former Chief Louis Rees-Zammit Could be Returning to Rugby
While it's sad to see a player fail to make it in the NFL, Chiefs Kingdom isn't surprised Rees-Zammit is considering going back to rugby. Despite people thinking rugby and American football are similar, they aren't as related as many people think they are. As a result, it is difficult to make the transition from sport to sport.
Even so, Rees-Zammit's athletic background was what intrigued the Chiefs. Prior to coming to the NFL, Rees-Zammit reached the highest level of rugby as part of the Wales 2023 Rugby World Cup team. He once again showed his athleticism during his pro day, running a 4.43-second 40-yard dash
at 6'2', 209 pounds.
Unfortunately, Rees-Zammit has learned the hard way that speed only gets you so far in the NFL. Though it would be a cool story if the former rugby player is able to find success in the NFL, it is looking less likely day by day, which may result in him returning to rugby.