An NFL player's cleat. The Chiefs signed former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who might now be the fastest player in the league.
 

There is a new fastest player in the NFL, and he’s signed for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has joined the reigning Super Bowl champions on a three-year deal inclusive of guaranteed money, and a signing bonus.

The above is according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, who reported that the player visited the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets before signing with the Chiefs.

The team has added him as a wide receiver and a running back.

The 23-year-old was a highly-rated winger at both club and international level but decided to quit rugby to pursue his dreams of playing in the NFL via the International Player Pathway program. Said program was put together in 2017 and provides athletes from around the world with a way of getting into the league.

Rees-Zammit was one of 15 IPP Class of 2024 members who participated in Pro Day at the University of South Florida. He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash.

The Welshman is now thought to be the fastest player in the NFL as he has reached a top speed of 24.2 MPH, which is more than the 23.24 reached by Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill, who was formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs. Some fans have argued that Hill reached his top speed wearing pads, however.

Can Louis Rees-Zammit Make The Kansas City Chiefs’ Active Roster?

Rees-Zammit’s deal with the Kansas City Chiefs makes him the 38th international player to sign a contract with an NFL team via the IPP. He will now look to become just one of six who have made an active roster.

Past players to do so include Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada, free-agent fullback Jakob Johnson, and two more former Washington players, tight end Sammis Reyes and defensive lineman David Bada.

A new rule will allow NFL teams to use a 17th roster spot on their practice squad specially reserved for an international player. That player would be able to join the active roster up to three times for the season.