On this offseason, one of many Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ most intriguing free-agent signings has been worldwide rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit. Up to now, head coach Andy Reid has appreciated what he’s seen from the soccer newcomer, whom the Chiefs checklist as a working again.
“He’s so diligent with all the pieces — and desires to be so good at all the pieces,” Reid informed reporters on Monday on the conclusion of the crew’s three-day rookie minicamp. “I’ve appreciated that. And you may see the progress he’s made.”
Studying a wholly new sport that almost all opponents have been taking part in since childhood presents a novel set of obstacles for Rees-Zammit. The Welsh-born footballer stated one space the place rugby and American soccer are “fully completely different” is play-calling.
“In rugby,” defined Rees-Zammit, “it’s very free-flowing — until you get a set piece. That’s if you name a play. That’s in all probability 20 to 30 performs a recreation. Right here, you’re speaking tons of.
“It’s been fascinating to study the playbook. Clearly we’re only some installs in — I’ve solely been right here for every week — however sure, I’ve totally loved it. And I can’t wait to see what occurs subsequent.”
Whereas the 23-year-old stated that rookie minicamp was nice, he can’t anticipate to choose up the sport instantly.
“The extra reps I do, the higher I’ll get,” he promised. “It’s positively going to take time — however you recognize, I’m keen to place the work in.”
Rees-Zammit was among the many offensive gamers who went to Texas to observe with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (and his coach Bobby Stoupe) in March. He referred to as it an “wonderful” expertise.
“All of the quarterbacks and receivers have been there,” he reported. “We have been working routes. We have been working within the health club — engaged on completely different actions with Bobby Stoupe. It was an amazing two weeks — and I positively realized quite a bit with Pat and all the opposite boys.”
He believes the expertise helped advance his data of the sport.
“I wish to be on the market taking part in,” he stated, “So the way in which I can do that’s by choosing the brains of everybody that’s at the moment right here — attempting to study the sport as fast as doable.”
However in the course of the minicamp, a tantalizing second confirmed what could possibly be doable. Rees-Zammit broke free on a display screen — and went all the way in which.
“I assumed he was going to dive into the tip zone,” joked Reid, referring to Rees-Zammit’s signature scoring transfer in rugby.
“It’s wonderful when there’s open subject,” stated the working again of the rep. “I really feel like I’m taking part in rugby once more. I can use my consciousness when I’m in house. That’s once I could cause probably the most injury. The extra I can do this, the extra I might help the crew.”
