Louis Rees-Zammit got the first snaps of his NFL career under his belt on Saturday.

The former Wales rugby union winger came through the NFL’s International Pathway Player program after walking away from rugby on the eve of the Six Nations earlier this year.

Rees-Zammit is looking to make an impact in pre-seasonCredit: Getty
The 23-year-old speedster was subsequently signed by reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, and finally made his preseason debut in a 26-13 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Florida.

Amid the NFL’s new kickoff rule, Rees-Zammit’s status as a running back and kick returner was confirmed earlier this week.

But against the Jags, LRZ did a little bit of everything, being involved in a four different roles: running back, kick returner, kicker and as part of the punt coverage team.

His very first piece of action saw him receive a kick-off before taking the knee in the end zone.

With eight minutes left in the third quarter, the Welshman made his first appearance from scrimmage, gaining just a yard on the handoff from quarterback Chris Oladokun.

The No.9-wearing ‘LRZ’ was also called upon to take a kick-off for the Chiefs during the third-quarter, which he launched to the Jacksonville nine-yard line.

He also made his first tackle, stopping Austin Trammell after a six-yard punt return, and took a three-yard catch in the fourth quarter.

All in all the former British and Irish Lions outside back had a fairly uneventful game, finishing with two carries for one yard, one reception for three yards and one tackle on special teams.

“It was a great first experience,” Rees-Zammit said following the loss, which also saw Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, Carson Wentz and Mac Jones getting some live reps.

“I loved it, I loved getting the snaps I did, on special teams as well, which was great.

LRZ had one tackle on special teamsCredit: X@NFLUKIRE

He gained a yard on a handoff from quarterback Chris OladokunCredit: X@NFLUKIRE
“I’ve just got to look back on this, review it and see how I can get better.

“I got a little kick-off, that was great, being able to play special teams is amazing. To be able to exploit different skills. But yeah, I’m happy. I’ll see how I can get better and take it onto the next game.

“The atmosphere was great, it was pretty electric in the stadium and there was a load of Chiefs fans, which helped massively. It was a great game and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

However, it’s fair to say the reaction to his performance was mixed, with many particularly harsh fans underwhelmed by his first official outing in pro football.

“I know that it’s only a preseason game but LRZ didn’t seem to show any of the requisite toughness in those plays to push for the extra yards needed to be a top player,” posted one fan on X.

“Crazy how slow he looks,” wrote another, to which someone else responded, “Thought the same. His rugby speed doesn’t seem to translate over.”

“This Rees-Zammit guy is not worth the hype. Dude has no breakaway speed and can’t break a tackle” another added.

Others, though, liked what they saw from LRZ, particularly as he showed his versatility in four different roles.

“Rees-Zammit is a little bit of sugar, spice, and everything nice on the field” said one fan.

“Nothing flashy but no errors and didn’t look out of place,” added another.

“First professional game he looked good. I’m sure after a few more practices, trainings and preseason games he’ll be better. You gotta start somewhere and it was probably a huge eye opening experience for him,” a third added.

LRZ shared photos of himself in action to InstagramCredit: Instagram@lrzammit

He hung out with his family who watched him take on the JaguarsCredit: Instagram@lrzammit
Brad Symcox, who co-hosts The Great British Chiefs Show podcast, tweeted: “Great to get a look at Louis Rees-Zammit last night.

“Needs to be a little sharper in his cuts and use that stiff arm more. Getting into open field will show his speed, but a decent showing for his first game as a Chief. Not great, but im sure he’ll work on it.”

Chiefs fans will also love LRZ’s message after completing his first pro football game.

“First ever football game ✅,” he posted on Instagram.

“Time to learn from every moment and get better.”

Much has been made about Rees-Zammit’s inclusion on the Chiefs’ first official depth chart ahead of the 2024 season.

‘Rees Lightning’ is listed as the Chiefs’ fifth string running back and the third string kick returner, but has been viewed as a potential ‘secret weapon’ for KC head coach Andy Reid.

Rees-Zammit’s skill under the high ball combined with his speed, size and elusiveness make him a unique proposition.

Add to that the wholesale changes to the kickoff rule — which allow returners more time and space to run into — and you can see why the Chiefs decided to take a punt on him, even if he isn’t quite yet the finished article.

Kansas City begin their regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5 and 90 players will be whittled down to a 53-man roster ahead of that Week 1 clash with LRZ hoping to make the cut.

“The plan we’ve got is, obviously the new kickoff rules this year is absolutely massive, so that’s where my main position is going to be. LRZ told The Rugby Pod.

“So I’ve got to fight to be a starter on that position this year. And then within the offense, it’s about how quick I can learn the playbook.”

“We’ve got a plan to put me in various positions, play out of the backfield at running back, be a slot receiver, just being able to use me as much as possible and be creative with me.”

Luckily, Rees-Zammit has two more preseason games – against the Lions and Bears – to get to grips with his new role before the season opener.