Another interesting wrinkle in this story, and one that may prove to be an enormous opportunity for Rees-Zammit, is the league’s new kickoff format this season. The rules, which are similar to those used in the XFL, will dramatically alter the strategy on kickoffs in 2024, and ironically enough, the play now somewhat resembles the look of what takes place in a rugby match.

“This kickoff rule is new, so no one knows what’s going to [happen],” Rees-Zammit said. “We do have some creative plays, and I’m not going to mention them now, but hopefully you’ll see them in the preseason. I’m just giving it my all on the field and [trying to] be the best player and person possible for the team.”

Additionally, Rees-Zammit has demonstrated the ability to not only return kicks, but also to deliver them himself. He was rotating in as a kickoff specialist throughout offseason practices this summer, potentially providing the Chiefs with another defender in coverage in place of a traditional kicker.

“Louis has done above and beyond what I expected,” said Assistant Head Coach / Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub back in May. “He can kick field goals and he can be a kickoff guy for us – he’s every bit as good as [safety] Justin Reid is in terms of moving the football on kickoffs.”

It’s all about being as versatile as possible for Rees-Zammit, and whether it be contributing on special teams or on offense as a running back, he has clearly embraced the mantra of doing whatever it takes to make the Chiefs’ roster in 2024.

There’s still a long road ahead, but if one thing is certain, the rugby star turned professional football player is going to do everything he can to make his childhood dream become a reality.

“Everything is completely different. It’s a completely different sport,” Rees-Zammit said. “I’m just trying to learn as much as I can, [I want] to bring what I’ve [learned] from rugby to American football, and just give it my all.”