Rapid (Kickoff) Response? Chiefs to Sign Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit

In an effort to continue playing championship football, the Kansas City Chiefs are turning to the ranks of ... football.

Per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Chiefs are set to sign Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit as a yield of the NFL International Player Pathway. Schultz's report further declared that Rees-Zammit will take on the duties of a running back and wide receiver.

A report from the Associated Press revealed that Rees-Zammitt put up a 40-yard time of 4.43 at the University of South Florida's pro day, which could carry intriguing implications considering the recent developments in the NFL: adjustments to the league's kickoff procedures will put an even larger emphasis on speedy returners and Rees-Zammitt, a member of the Welsh national rugby team, fulfilled that requirement and then some in his showcase.

That number interestingly proved to be disappointing to Rees-Zammit, who listed DeSean Jackson as his NFL inspiration.

"Last week, I was getting some really good time," Rees-Zammit said in the AP report. "I was getting low 4.3s, high 4.2s. So it is what it is. It's just what happens on the day. But I know I can run that fast. I'm not trying to make excuses or anything, but I know what I can do and I'm happy with the day and how the day went."

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The NFL International Player Pathway Program was introduced in 2016 and is open to international talents no older than 24, out of high school for at least four years, and armed with no snaps in American college football.

Notable alumni from the entry program include Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata (Australia) and Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (Germany).