Louis Rees-Zammit is one of the NFL’s most exciting new signings. Now the long-time rugby player talks about his first experiences

He is probably one of the most exciting new signings in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs have strengthened their squad with Louis Rees-Zammit. The Welshman is no ordinary college graduate, but one of his country’s greatest rugby hopes.

But because the 23-year-old has opted for a career in football, he is now getting his chance with the Super Bowl champions. Rees-Zammit took another step in his transition from rugby to American football player at the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp at the weekend.

In an interview with US reporters, the athlete, who wants to earn a place in the squad as a running back and returner, explained how the first training sessions felt for him.

According to him, the sessions at rookie camp were good because the amount of repetition allows him to learn the transition from a “very free” sport to a sport with a playbook.

Learning countless moves is currently the Welshman’s main focus. However, his rugby skills can still help him, as was demonstrated during a screen pass (a variant in which the quarterback indicates a long pass but throws a short pass instead) and the resulting gain in space.

“When the field is clear in front of me, it feels like I’m playing rugby again,” he is quoted as saying by ESPN. “I can use my awareness of spaces because that’s when I can do the most damage.”

For the rookie, it is important to strive for a “versatile role” with the Chiefs. However, he still has a lot of work to do before this can be realized on the pitch.