The journey of Lewis Rees-Zammit, a former Welsh rugby star, transitioning to the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable.

As a player who made his name on the rugby fields of Wales, Rees-Zammit’s leap into American football with the Kansas City Chiefs was met with both excitement and skepticism.

His participation in the Chiefs’ preseason games has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, particularly as the final roster decisions loom.

With the Chiefs’ 53-man roster set to be announced on August 27th, Rees-Zammit’s performance in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears has sparked a flurry of speculation about his future with the team.

Rees-Zammit’s journey to the NFL is unique. At 23 years old, he was a standout wing for the Welsh national rugby team and Gloucester Rugby Club before making the bold decision to switch to American football.

The transition from rugby to the NFL is no easy feat, as the two sports, while sharing some similarities in physicality, require different skill sets and understanding of the game.

However, Rees-Zammit’s athleticism and speed made him an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs, who signed him to a three-year contract earlier this year.

This contract, while a vote of confidence in his potential, also set the stage for a challenging journey as he attempted to carve out a spot on one of the most competitive rosters in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their latest Super Bowl victory, are a team with high expectations.

The competition for roster spots is fierce, particularly in a backfield that already features established talent.

Rees-Zammit, who was initially expected to compete for a role as a return specialist and backup running back, faced an uphill battle from the start.

His preseason performances were closely watched, not just by Chiefs fans, but by those who followed his rugby career as well.

In the preseason, Rees-Zammit’s role evolved as he gained more experience on the field.

In the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears, he saw more playing time than in the previous two games combined.

This game was critical for Rees-Zammit as it represented his last opportunity to make a strong impression before the final roster cuts.

Despite the Chiefs’ 34-21 defeat, Rees-Zammit made the most of his opportunities, carrying the ball four times for 21 yards and averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

These numbers, while not earth-shattering, were a marked improvement over his earlier performances.

One of the highlights of Rees-Zammit’s performance in the game was a sequence of consecutive successful rushes early in the fourth quarter.

These runs demonstrated his ability to find gaps in the defense and his willingness to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yardage.

Additionally, he returned a kickoff for 36 yards in the third quarter, showing his potential as a return specialist, a role that could be his ticket to securing a spot on the roster.

However, the game was not without its setbacks. Rees-Zammit missed a tackle during a punt return, a mistake that could weigh against him as the coaches review game film.

Head coach Andy Reid, a seasoned NFL coach known for his ability to develop players, was generally positive about Rees-Zammit’s performance.

After the game, Reid commented that Rees-Zammit had made some positive plays and that he had tried to get him more involved in the game plan.

Reid’s comments reflect a recognition of Rees-Zammit’s potential, but also an understanding that the young player is still in the process of adapting to the complexities of American football.

Reid emphasized that while Rees-Zammit is an exceptional athlete, the key for him will be continuing to familiarize himself with the game and progressing in his understanding of NFL play.

Despite the encouraging words from Reid, the reality of the NFL is that making the final roster is incredibly challenging, especially for a player who is still learning the game.

The competition for the backup running back position and return specialist roles is fierce, and Rees-Zammit’s path to securing a spot on the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed.

His main competitor, Carson Steele, has consistently impressed throughout the preseason.

Steele’s performance in the same game against the Bears, where he scored a touchdown and continued to demonstrate his physical running style, has put him in a strong position to make the roster.

Steele’s ability to bulldoze through defenders and his consistency in gaining positive yardage after contact have made him a standout in the Chiefs’ preseason.

The contrast between Steele’s and Rees-Zammit’s performances has not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts.

Social media, particularly platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has been abuzz with discussions about Rees-Zammit’s chances of making the team.

While there is a recognition that Rees-Zammit has shown improvement over the course of the preseason, there is also a prevailing sentiment that he may not have done enough to secure a place on the final roster.

Many fans believe that while Rees-Zammit has made significant strides, particularly given the short amount of time he has had to adapt to a new sport, he might be better suited for a spot on the practice squad this year.

The practice squad is often seen as a developmental space where players who are not quite ready for the active roster can continue to develop their skills.

For Rees-Zammit, spending a year on the practice squad could be incredibly beneficial.

It would give him more time to adjust to the nuances of the NFL, work on his technique, and continue to learn the playbook.

Given his background in rugby, where the style of play is different, this additional time could be crucial for his long-term success in American football.

Several fans and commentators have echoed this sentiment. One fan remarked that Rees-Zammit has done incredibly well to reach this point in just six months and that his improvement over the last three games makes a strong case for at least a spot on the practice squad.

Another fan noted that while Rees-Zammit’s best game was against the Bears, it might not be enough to secure a spot on the final roster given the performances of other players, particularly Steele.

This perspective is shared by many who believe that while Rees-Zammit has shown potential, the depth of talent on the Chiefs’ roster may simply be too much for him to overcome in his first year.

Others have pointed out that the Chiefs, who have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, are in a position where they can afford to take a long-term approach with a player like Rees-Zammit.

His potential as a return specialist and his raw athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, and the practice squad would allow him to continue developing without the pressure of immediate competition.

Fans have also noted that the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, which Rees-Zammit is a part of, could provide additional support as he continues to transition to American football.

Rees-Zammit’s situation is a reminder of the challenges that come with transitioning from one sport to another, especially at the professional level.

The NFL is a highly competitive league where even the smallest mistake can be the difference between making the roster and being cut.

For Rees-Zammit, the next few days will be critical as the Chiefs’ coaching staff makes their final decisions. Regardless of the outcome, Rees-Zammit’s journey has already been a success in many ways.

He has proven that he has the athleticism and determination to compete at the highest level, and he has shown a willingness to embrace the challenges that come with learning a new sport.

As the final roster announcement approaches, Chiefs fans will be eagerly awaiting news on whether Rees-Zammit has made the team.

While his chances of making the 53-man roster remain uncertain, his story is far from over. Whether he ends up on the practice squad or the active roster, Rees-Zammit’s journey to the NFL has only just begun.

With his work ethic, athleticism, and the support of the Chiefs’ coaching staff, there is every reason to believe that he will continue to develop and make an impact in the future.

For now, Rees-Zammit can take pride in what he has accomplished.

Making it to the NFL preseason is an achievement in itself, especially for someone who is still relatively new to the sport.

His performance in the final preseason game, while not perfect, showed glimpses of the player he could become with more experience and development.

As he waits for the final decision, Rees-Zammit can be confident that he has given his all and that he has laid a strong foundation for whatever comes next in his NFL journey.

In conclusion, Lewis Rees-Zammit’s first foray into the NFL has been a story of growth, learning, and determination.

While the outcome of his quest to make the Kansas City Chiefs’ final roster remains uncertain, his journey has already captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike.

Whether he makes the active roster or spends the season on the practice squad, Rees-Zammit’s story is one of perseverance and potential.

As he continues to adapt to the demands of American football, there is no doubt that he will have the opportunity to make an impact in the NFL, whether it’s this season or in the years to come.