Louis Rees-Zammit is set for a shock move to Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs as the former Wales star inches 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 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 the final details of the contract are still being worked out, Rees-Zammit is expected to sign on Friday and join 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 to sign with Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs
The Welshman will become Travis Kelce’s teammate in the Super Bowl winners
Taylor Swift looked loved up with her boyfriend Travis Kelce in the Bahamas recently as the couple sweetly held hands on a scenic stroll.
The couple, both 34, were seen sharing a passionate kiss on the beach last week and fell in love as they walked to a boat before a day of sightseeing.
Rees-Zammit will not be joined in the US by his YouTuber star girlfriend, Saffron Barker, after the couple announced their split last week.
It comes just four months after the social media star and athlete made their first red carpet appearance together at the world premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in November.
Barker confirmed that the duo had gone their separate ways, despite previously responding to claims that they had 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 hinting at a breakup.
Rees-Zammit will sign a training contract with the Missouri-based team as he looks to make the team’s party for the new NFL season at the running back and wide receiver positions.
Saffron Barker confirmed she is no longer in a relationship with Rees-Zammit earlier this month.
It comes just four months after the social media star and athlete made their first red carpet appearance together at the world premiere of The Hunger Games in November.
Rees-Zammit visited several NFL franchises, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, after standing out in the IPP for his pace and power.
Many doubted he would make the cut in a new sport when he sensationally left rugby behind, but his imminent move to champions Chiefs is a notable achievement.
The Chiefs have won three of the last five Super Bowl titles. Rees-Zammit will join them in summer camp before head coach Andy Reid and his assistants reduce the team 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 work to do to get a full-time contract, but he has already exceeded expectations after admitting that he had never played American football before joining the IPP.
Rees-Zammit was the youngest player on the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021 and scored 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 soccer players Kevin de Bruyne, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli and many other American athletes on the books of Roc Nation Sports.
The Chiefs rose to global fame last season when Kelce began dating Taylor Swift.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will try to lead Chiefs to a ‘three-shift’ next season
Rees-Zammit impressed NFL scouts at International Player Pathway (IPP) pro day
Rugby stars Siya Kolisi, Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge and Marcus Smith are also represented by the company’s Roc Nation Sports International division, led by Michael Yormark.
Roc Nation Sports NFL Agent Kimberly Miale said: “Roc Nation is thrilled to represent Louis. ‘He is a dynamic athlete with a compelling story. We are honored to be a part of Louis’ journey to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL after establishing an illustrious career in rugby.
‘Personally, I am excited to work with Louis on this effort. “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 next season.”