Kansas City, Missouri - Louis Rees-Zammit, the 23-year-old international rugby star, made his debut in American football as a running back during the Kansas City Chiefs' three-day rookie camp that concluded on Monday. Rees-Zammit, known for his speed and agility on the rugby pitch, expressed his excitement about the new challenge.

During the camp, Rees-Zammit showcased his ability to adapt quickly to the game, comparing the open field to his experiences in rugby, where his awareness and space utilization allowed him to cause significant damage to the opposition. He also participated in workout sessions alongside Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Texas.

While Rees-Zammit is primarily starting as a running back, the Chiefs also intend to evaluate his skills as a kickoff returner. The Welsh rugby sensation described the rookie camp as a great learning experience, allowing him to meet his new teammates, delve into the playbook, and gain valuable field reps.

Acknowledging the stark differences between American football and rugby, Rees-Zammit highlighted the structured nature of football, which involves numerous plays throughout a game compared to the more free-flowing style of rugby. As he continues to familiarize himself with the playbook, the talented athlete is making necessary adjustments to his running style by working on holding the football correctly and maintaining adequate pad level.

Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, praised Rees-Zammit's dedication and diligence in the transition to American football, noting the progress he has already made during the camp. Reid specifically highlighted Rees-Zammit's impressive long run during a screen pass play. The coach expressed confidence that once he experiences the physicality of the game, Rees-Zammit will further refine his technique.

Rees-Zammit revealed his longstanding admiration for American football, having attended NFL games in London and closely following the sport throughout his rugby career. DeSean Jackson, a former wide receiver, was his favorite player. With his rugby accomplishments already fulfilled, Rees-Zammit believes it is the perfect time to try his hand at the NFL.

Currently focused on learning the playbook and the intricacies of the game, Rees-Zammit aspires to be versatile in his role and hopes the Chiefs coaching staff will be creative in utilizing his talents. His main objective is to make the team and is dedicated to giving his best performance on the field while mastering every aspect of the game.

As Rees-Zammit embarks on his American football journey, the Chiefs' coaching staff is excited to witness the progress of this promising athlete as he makes a name for himself in a new sport.