Louis Rees-Zammit, who quit Wales to chase NFL dream, WILL sign for Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs – but Saffron Barker won’t be joining Taylor Swift as WAG after split
Louis Rees-Zammit is set to make a stunning move to Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs as the former Wales star moves closer to his NFL dream.
Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world in January when he dramatically quit the sport to pursue a new career in the US and take up a place on the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP).
After impressing NFL scouts at the IPP, the 23-year-old held contract meetings with a number of teams, but Mail Sport understands Rees-Zammit and the Chiefs have agreed terms.
While final details of the contract are still being worked out, Rees-Zammit is expected to sign on Friday, joining the Chiefs who have superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on their roster.
Kelce was recently spotted in the Bahamas with his girlfriend, pop megastar Taylor Swift, as the tight end soaked up the sun during the NFL offseason.
Former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit will sign a contract with Super Bowl winner Kansas City Chiefs
Rees-Zammit impressed NFL scouts at the International Player Pathway (IPP) pro day
The Welshman will be Travis Kelce’s teammate in the Super Bowl winners
Taylor Swift recently looked loved up with boyfriend Travis Kelce in the Bahamas as the pair sweetly held hands during a scenic walk
The couple, both 34, were spotted sharing a passionate kiss on the beach last week and were madly in love as they walked to a boat ahead of a day of sightseeing.
Rees-Zammit will sign a training contract with the Missouri squad as he aims to be part of the team’s roster for the new NFL season at the running back and wide receiver positions.
Rees-Zammit visited a number of NFL franchises – including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos – after distinguishing himself at the IPP with his pace and strength.
Many doubted he would make it in a new sport when he sensationally left rugby behind, but his impending signing with champions Chiefs is a remarkable achievement.
The Chiefs have won three of the last five Super Bowl titles. Rees-Zammit will join them at summer camp before head coach Andy Reid and his assistants trim the roster down to a 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season.
Rees-Zammit’s training contract with the Chiefs is estimated to be worth around £700,000. He still has some work to do to secure a full-time contract, but he has already exceeded expectations after admitting he had never played American football before joining the IPP.
The Chiefs shot to fame last season when Kelce started dating Taylor Swift
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will look to lead the Chiefs to a three-peat next season
Rees-Zammit was the youngest player on the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021, scoring 14 tries in 42 tests for Wales. Rees-Zammit’s move to sports agency Roc Nation Sports – founded by American rapper Jay-Z – was confirmed earlier this week.
He joined superstar footballers Kevin de Bruyne, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli and a host of other American athletes on the books of Roc Nation Sports.
Rugby stars Siya Kolisi, Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge and Marcus Smith are also represented by the company’s Roc Nation Sports International division, which is run by Michael Yormark.
Kimberly Miale, NFL agent for Roc Nation Sports, said, “Roc Nation is excited to represent Louis. ‘He is a dynamic athlete with a compelling story. We are honored to be part of Louis’ journey to realize his dream of playing in the NFL, having already forged an illustrious rugby career.
“I am personally excited to be working with Louis on this venture. With his athleticism, size, speed and work ethic, the sky is the limit.” I look forward to seeing Louis join an NFL roster and thrive in the upcoming season.”
However, Rees-Zammit will not be joined in the US by his YouTuber star girlfriend Saffron Barker after the couple announced their split last week.
Saffron Barker confirmed earlier this month that she is no longer in a relationship with Rees-Zammit
It comes just four months after the social media star and the sportsman made their first red carpet appearance together at the world premiere of The Hunger Games in November
It comes just four months after the social media star and the sportsman made their first red carpet appearance together at the world premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in November.
Barker confirmed the duo had gone their separate ways, despite previously pushing back on claims they ended their romance just weeks ago.
Eagle-eyed followers had noticed that both Saffron and Louis had unfollowed each other on Instagram in recent weeks, among other clues pointing to a rift.