Breaking News: Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL team choice explained after receiving widespread interest

Former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit’s dream of winning the Super Bowl influenced his decision to join the Kansas City Chiefs, despite getting other NFL offers.

At 23, the Welsh international made headlines when he declared his plans to leave rugby for the NFL in early 2024 and went through a gruelling 10-week training scheme as part of the league’s International Player Pathway Programme.

His speedy performance impressed several NFL scouts from up to 12 franchises, including the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. However, dreaming of Super Bowl victory, Rees-Zammit picked the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, as his NFL team.

His new representative, Kim Miale, shared with the Daily Mail : “The goal is to play on an NFL team and help to win a Super Bowl. Over a dozen teams had shown interest.”

Rees-Zammit is slated to officially join the Chiefs this coming Friday, under the guidance of the legendary coach Andy Reid who has guided the team to three out of their four Super Bowl triumphs. In 2024, the Chiefs will also be vying for their third consecutive Super Bowl win – a first in the NFL.

It’s understood that Rees-Zammit’s training deal with the Chiefs is valued at approximately $883,782. He’ll join a team backed by many as one of the favourites to get to the Super Bowl in New Orleans in early 2025.

“Everyone’s goal is obviously to win a Super Bowl,” Rees-Zammit previously told the Daily Mail. “But I need to find a team that’s right for myself and for the franchise. As long as the team has a good plan and we’re on the same page, that’s all that matters.”

Rees-Zammit could be a powerful force for NFL team quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In 2023, the Chiefs had a tough time finding their stride – but they managed to bounce back and defeat teams like the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and the San Francisco 49ers, helping them defend their title.

Hoping his time in the NFL will last, Rees-Zammit has sought help from Jay-Z’s sports agency to guide him during his American journey. “I have decided to sign with Roc Nation Sports, and agent Kim Miale, to represent my NFL endeavours and negotiate my on-field contract,” the soon-to-be NFL player said.

Choosing an agency that could support his new NFL career while also understanding his rugby roots was a “simple choice”, he explained.

He said: “Roc Nation Sports International represents an arsenal of impressive rugby players, and I am so proud to be the first athlete to bridge the gap between Roc Nation Sports and Roc Nation Sports International. I am confident in my choice to entrust Roc Nation and Kim with this once in a lifetime opportunity and believe that they will help me best navigate this next chapter.”