Louis Rees-Zammit: Former Wales rugby star keen to prove worth in 'cut-throat' NFL
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Louis Rees-Zammit: Ex-Wales wing told 'take two or three years' to develop in NFL
Louis Rees-Zammit says he is ready to show everyone what he can do to avoid being axed by Kansas City Chiefs in the "cut-throat" NFL.
The former Wales rugby wing, 23, joined the reigning Super Bowl champions on a three-year contract in late March.
He is now bidding to earn a place in the Chiefs' 53-man roster for the upcoming season.
"You can get cut at any point so it's a bit of a cut-throat sport," Rees-Zammit told The Rugby Pod.
"I could go to pre-season now, not do well and just get cut straight away."
Rees-Zammit will earn £634,000 if selected in the Chiefs' roster for the season ahead compared to £199,500 if he is in the team's practice squad.
"As a rookie you sign a three-year deal and you get guaranteed money," he added.
"So if you get injured or you get cut, you're still guaranteed that money.
"You're not guaranteed the three years at all - and no-one is.
"I just need to make the 53-man squad now. I'm ready to show everyone what I can do."
After officially linking up with Andy Reid's side, Rees-Zammit - who also held talks with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos - received messages from Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
"Pat and Travis both messaged me," added the ex-Gloucester player.
"Pat's my best mate now! They said welcome to KC and if I ever need anything then let me know. I'm so excited to meet everyone and get training."
Rees-Zammit is expected to try out as a running back or a wide receiver with the four-time Super Bowl winners.
However, his best chance of featuring in the NFL is likely to come as a kick returner.
Ahead of the new season, which begins in September, NFL rule changes have been implemented to encourage teams to return a greater number of kick-offs, which could fully suit Rees-Zammit's skillset.
"The new kick-off rules this year are absolutely massive. That's where my main position will be and I've got to fight to start in that position this year," he said.
"And then within the offence it's about how quick I can learn the playbook.
"We've got a plan to put me in various positions, play out the backfield at running back, be a slot receiver. Just being able to use me as much as possible and be creative with me."