Louis Rees-Zammit 'picks brains' of NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes in bid to make final Kansas City Chiefs squad

Louis Rees-Zammit says he “learned a lot” from Patrick Mahomes after picking the brains of the star quarterback as he looks to earn a place on the final Kansas City Chiefs roster.

The former Wales rugby union international, who scored 14 tries in 32 Tests for his country, switched sports earlier this year when he joined the NFL’s international player pathway to try and make his name in American football.

Rees-Zammit impressed enough in the programme to be signed by reigning Super Bowl champions the Chiefs in March.

His adaptation to the new sport, where he is training as a running back, came with the help of three-time Super Bowl winner Mahomes at a rookie minicamp.

"It was amazing, all the quarterbacks and receivers were there, we were running routes, we were working in the gym," said Rees-Zammit.

"It was definitely a great two weeks, I definitely learned a lot with Pat and the other boys.”

He added: “I’m new to the game so I’m trying to pick everyone’s brains and try and pick up the sport as quick as possible because I want to be out there playing.

"The way I can do that is picking the brains of everyone that’s currently here and trying to learn the game as quickly as possible.”

Although Rees-Zammit has been listed as a running back by the Chiefs, he is hopeful of being able to play as a wide receiver too.

The 23-year-old was renowned for his pace during his time in professional rugby, earning the nickname ‘Rees Lightning’ for his dazzling displays on the wing for Wales, Gloucester and the British & Irish Lions.

“I’ve been put in the running back group to start with," he said.

"I think there’s going to be a versatile role for me, I’m hoping. The coaches are very creative here, so see what they can do.

“But it’s all about me learning the playbook and learning the game because without that I can’t do anything else.

"I am fully focused on the now. You know, I’ve got to make the team. How am I going to do that? I’ve got to perform on the field, I’ve got to learn the playbook and then we’ll go from there.”

“Being in the running back position it’s easier because I can get the ball earlier as opposed to being out playing wide receiver," he added.

"It’s obviously different and catching - you catch laterally in rugby, you don’t catch forwards. That’s been a bit different.

"I’m just loving being able to work and work on all these crafts because the more I can do, the more I can try and help the team.”

Rees-Zammit has a three-year contract with the Chiefs but still must convince head coach Andy Reid that he deserves a spot in the final 53-man active roster for the 2024 season.

Reid had his first chance to cast an eye over the Welshman at close quarters during the minicamp and was impressed with what he saw.

“This was good for him, this camp, for that reason that he got a lot of reps," said Reid.

"When the guys are here, he’s rotating with those guys. He didn’t get a ton of reps there, but this gave him an opportunity to really jump in and learn.

“He’s so diligent with everything and wants to be so good at everything and I’ve appreciated that and you could see the progress he’s made.”

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