Louis Rees-Zammit Debuts with Kansas City Chiefs in Pre-Season Loss

Louis Rees-Zammit made his much-anticipated debut for the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL pre-season match against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which ended in a 26-13 defeat for the Chiefs. The 23-year-old former Wales rugby union player transitioned to American football earlier this year, signing a three-year contract with the reigning Super Bowl champions. In his debut, Rees-Zammit showcased his versatility by playing as a running back, kicker, and kick-returner, while also contributing to the punt coverage team. Reflecting on his first experience in the NFL, Rees-Zammit expressed enthusiasm about the game, stating, “I loved it, I loved getting the snaps I did.” He emphasized the importance of reviewing his performance to identify areas for improvement. The atmosphere at EverBank Stadium was electric, with a strong presence of Chiefs fans, which he noted enhanced the experience. The Chiefs are set to continue their pre-season schedule with a home game against the Detroit Lions before kicking off the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5. In other NFL news, Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic football goalkeeper, made a remarkable debut for the New Orleans Saints. The 22-year-old Irishman secured a 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals by successfully kicking a 37-yard field goal with just five seconds left on the clock. Saints head coach Dennis Allen praised Smyth's performance, highlighting the pressure of the moment and the significance of his successful kick.