One of the most interesting prospects in next month’s NFL Draft is someone who most football fans have never heard of – and there’s good reason for that.
Louis Rees-Zammit is a Welsh rugby phenom who is looking to make the jump to American football (aka real football).
Ex-Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit faces his biggest chance to impress NFL teams on Wednesday as he continues his quest to break into American Football
📸 Getty
Click the link for more: https://t.co/87ncPbgbnx pic.twitter.com/cM08eB81XF
— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) March 20, 2024
The 23-year-old has been working out in Florida for the past 10-weeks in preparation for today’s much-anticipated “International” Pro Day.
This will be his most significant opportunity to showcase his value in front of NFL personnel.
Louis Rees-Zammit weighs in at 209 lbs.
Which is roughly 94 KG/14 stone 11lbs depending on your preference of measurement!
Video by @DropkickMangan who is out in Florida covering today's events. Check out his Instagram for more footage from the NFL Pro Day 🏈 pic.twitter.com/1tptsDv7b5
— Dylan James (@dylan_journo) March 20, 2024
Remarkably, Rees-Zammit is actually faster than Tyreek “Cheetah” Hill.
That may be hard to believe knowing how speedy and explosive Hill is, but the numbers don’t like.
Rees-Zammit gained global attention for his lightning-fast pace during his young Rugby career, notably clocking a top speed of 24.2 mph during a match.
Hill’s top-mark in an NFL game came on a kickoff return in 2016 when his speed was timed at 23.24 mph.
Looks sharp and a couple of nice catches, but often catching the ball too close to his body
— harry (@nimblehippo) March 19, 2024
For additional comparison, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf clocked in at 22.23 mph last season. While Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown reached 22.05 mph.
In fairness, we all know there are a lot of variables that go into “football speed.”
Much like Rugby, football is not a straightaway track-race, and the weight of the pads and helmet is significant.
Having said that, Rees-Zammit’s speed and athleticism is hard to ignore.
GOOD LORD
— Michael McQuaid (@Michael_NFL) March 20, 2024
“I am extremely excited to take up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge,” Rees-Zammit told BBC Sport. “At this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skillset.”
Welsh rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit running routes. pic.twitter.com/8OcKVbJGMR
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) March 20, 2024
With no real football background, Rees-Zammit is well aware that the NFL is no place to just get by on athleticism alone.
“It could be quite soon (that he ends up going back to rugby) but I fully believe I can make this work,” he said.
“If I had any doubt in my head that I couldn’t do this then I wouldn’t be here, simple as that. I believe in my ability. I believe in myself and I’m fully focused and raring to show people what I can do.”
Saffron Barker and her rugby player boyfriend Louis Rees-Zammit hit back at split claims as the couple ‘navigate their long-distance romance’
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#blog #gaming #news #sport #tech pic.twitter.com/UWsmKljkfx— news4tv (@brahimelkh78113) March 12, 2024
“I definitely didn’t fall out of love with rugby,” he said. “It was just a decision of when is the perfect time to do it, and me being 23 now I think it’s the perfect time to be able to learn a new sport and there are a lot of transferable skills I can take into this sport.”
“I think now was just the perfect opportunity to do it.”
Shows the athleticism in the NFL is another level as his time is considered very average for WRs, but in rugby he was one of the quickest
— Mana Rugby (@mana_rugby) March 20, 2024
What are your thoughts on Rees-Zammit as a prospect?
He is reportedly open to playing either running back or wide receiver. (Not to make this sound like little league or anything. We know how difficult the road ahead will be for him.)
Would you want your team to take a chance on him for his lightning-speed alone???