Travis Kelce has issued a warning to new Kansas City Chiefs teammate Louis Rees-Zammit, advising him to brace himself for a “humbling experience” in Kansas City later this year.
Rees-Zammit, previously a standout rugby player for Wales, recently inked a three-year deal with the Super Bowl champions, marking a surprising transition to American football.
Following his notable performance in the International Player Pathway program, the 23-year-old engaged in contract discussions with multiple teams before ultimately agreeing to a reported $884,000 contract with the Chiefs.
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Initially designated as a running back upon his arrival, Rees-Zammit later disclosed that his primary role is likely to be as a kick-off returner in the upcoming season.
As he embarks on this remarkable journey from rugby to the NFL, he has received words of caution from Kelce on his “New Heights” podcast.
“It’s gonna be a humbling experience at first. It’s not easy to just make that jump, they’re two completely different games. He is an athlete and that’s what the Chiefs saw. He’s a smart kid, a smart player. So he’s gonna be able to pick up the offense eventually. But it’s gonna be a tough few months for him here while he’s getting acclimated to the NFL. We’ve been doing this since we were kids, so we’re gonna have those little instincts that we’ve built over the years that he’s got to catch up with.”
Despite the warning, Kelce is excited to play with Rees-Zammit.
“I really just enjoy the guy’s energy so far,” Kelce continued. “He’s super excited about the opportunity that he’s been given, knowing that not everybody gets these opportunities. He was an absolute star in the European rugby league he was in. So for him to make the jump and try and go from Wales to Kansas City man… it’s a pretty ballsy move and a pretty bold move to be making man. The biggest advice I gave him was just try not to let it overwhelm you as much as it can, and know that everybody believes that you have the potential to be able to play. So absorb as much as you can, learn as much as you can in the short time you have before the season.”
The 23-year-old Rees-Zammit has the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL if he can translate his talent from the rugby pitch to the football field.
