Following their summer experience with Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, the Jacksonville Jaguars are offering LRZ the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming an NFL receiver.

Louis Rees-Zammit has bid farewell to the Kansas City Chiefs, who are vying for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, to embark on a new chapter with the Jacksonville Jaguars—part of which includes a position change from running back to wide receiver.

Last week, LRZ was released by the Chiefs as they finalized their 53-player roster for the 2024 season, which took many by surprise when he was subsequently signed by the Jaguars.

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« Playing wide receiver here has been incredible, and it’s a complete shift from my time at the Chiefs, » Rees-Zammit shared in an exclusive interview with Will Gavin on the new talkSPORT End Zone NFL channel. « I’m extremely grateful to the Chiefs for giving me my initial opportunity and taste of the NFL. I learned so much during OTAs and training camp, which was amazing, but it just didn’t work out. Now that I’m here, I’m loving every moment.”

“I have always aspired to play wide receiver, given my speed and strength. I believe it’s the best position for me, and this will be my first real chance to develop there after previously playing running back in Kansas City, which perhaps wasn’t the right fit for me.”

For several months, Rees-Zammit was associated with Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The 23-year-old former rugby player from Wales also gained some media attention alongside Taylor Swift as he sought to secure a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster during camp.

However, last Tuesday, despite showcasing his versatility during offseason workouts, Rees-Zammit was unable to make the final cut for Kansas City.

Initially signed to a three-year deal with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit was brought in largely for his potential as a running back and kick returner, based on the team’s assessment of his skill set.

Now, after a summer training alongside Mahomes and Kelce, Rees-Zammit has stated that his former superstar teammates reached out to offer their support as he transitions to the Jaguars.

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« I’ve received numerous messages from them wishing me good luck. I’ve only been playing for three months, » Rees-Zammit said. « They advised me to stick with it and keep focusing on what I can improve, and eventually things will fall into place. They were unaware of my position change, so their advice didn’t cover that aspect specifically. However, I’m just a hard worker who’s deeply invested in this journey. »

It was anticipated that the rookie transitioning from rugby would remain with the Chiefs, especially considering their back-to-back Super Bowl victories and aim for a historic third win. Nevertheless, Jacksonville reached out, and Rees-Zammit chose to join an AFC South team that has two games scheduled in London this season.

Each NFL team can have up to 17 players on their practice squad. Rees-Zammit will train alongside the Jaguars’ 53-man roster, with the potential to be promoted to the active squad during the regular season.

He is also adapting to a new sport, its distinct rules, and a complex NFL playbook. « I dove straight into the playbook on the day I signed and will need to re-learn everything from scratch, » he explained. « I am determined to learn quickly and get on the field. I’ve completed three training sessions, and it’s going positively. I’m genuinely thankful to the Jacksonville Jaguars for this opportunity. »

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The rookie, whose photo is currently absent from the Jaguars’ official roster, has received the number 84 from the team. He stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 209 pounds, listed as a wide receiver on Jacksonville’s website.

During his time with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit demonstrated his potential during preseason matches against teams such as the Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears. He had his preseason debut in a 26-13 loss to the Jaguars, playing multiple roles: running back, kick returner, kicker, and participating in punt coverage.

After overcoming a back issue, he made his home preseason debut at Arrowhead Stadium against the Lions, returning a kickoff for 27 yards and briefly playing as a wide receiver.

His last appearance in the preseason was during a 34-21 defeat to the Bears, who were without star quarterback Caleb Williams.

Jacksonville will kick off the 2024 NFL season facing the Miami Dolphins, followed by two London games. While Rees-Zammit is eager to get onto the field, he understands that there is a long road ahead. “I don’t have immense expectations for making the 53-man roster immediately. I have a plan to advance in this sport, » he noted.

“I need to focus on becoming a reliable, competent receiver—immersing myself in the playbook so coaches can trust me. This will take time, no doubt. Transitioning to a new team presents challenges, but I will learn this playbook as quickly as possible and give the coaches a reason to put me on the field. I can’t predict when that will happen, but I’ll do everything I can to make it a reality.”

The Jaguars ended last season with a 9-8 record but missed the playoffs after losing the AFC South title to the Houston Texans. Head coach Doug Pederson may utilize Rees-Zammit in various ways as the Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, entered last season as Super Bowl contenders.

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