How NFL’s New Kickoff Rule Makes Ex-Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit Ideal Offensive Weapon for Chiefs

The NFL appears all in for safety enhancement! The owners of all 32 franchises voted for a new kickoff rule to be implemented in the 2024 season, with 29 voting in favor of it. However, this change in the rules will help the two-time defending champions the Kansas City Chiefs in a rather unanticipated manner. With their signing of former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit from across the pond, matters appear interesting for the Patrick Mahomes-led side.

Over the years, the NFL’s focus has been on eliminating concussions received by the players and making the sport safer. This new rule also has been implemented to protect players from the long-term effects of playing a contact sport. However, one of the unintended consequences of the earlier situation was the dilution of the kickoff, which, with the rule change, will not be the case anymore. And the Chiefs have positioned themselves to profit from the same.

This change will bring back the number of returns across the game since last year only 23% of returns were recorded. A new ‘set up zone’ will be implemented between the 30- and 35-yard line in the opponent’s half. This rule will revitalize the kick-offs to an extent not seen in the last decade.

However, the introduction of this rule also requires a set of players, capable of thriving in such a setting. This is where Rees-Zammit fits in for the Chiefs. The 23-year-old played as a winger and a full-back for the Gloucester Rugby Club in the Rugby Premiership in England. Since this new rule closely resembles the kickoff application in the sport of rugby and XFL, the Welshman just might have the right opportunity to break into the Chiefs starting team.

The focus of the Chiefs would potentially not be on building on Rees-Zammit as a future running back or receiver, but implementing his role as a specialist in the side, per Guardian. The new rules appear oddly in his favor, with the Kansas City side probably leaning to take the edge of grabbing a score or a slight momentum during crucial moments of the game.

This makes his addition to the main team a rather feasible scenario, a feat that could have been troubling for a player trying to adapt to a new game. But what does his new head coach think of this new rule?

Head Coach Andy Reid is all in for the changes!

A 42-year veteran in the football coaching space, Andy Reid, has seen a lot of rule changes in his tenure. The 3X Super Bowl winner has welcomed some and disapproved of others, but in this situation, he finds this new change to be a worthwhile addition.

“I’m all for it”, said the 66-year-old HC. He also mentioned the dead plays that used to occur during the era of lackluster kickoffs. “You have 2,000 dead plays. Nobody wants to see that. It’ll add excitement and newness”, added Reid. And his excitement can be gauged by the signing of a rugby player right on time, well versed in these rules!

Do you think Louis Rees-Zammit will find success with the Chiefs due to this rule change? Let us know your perception in the comments.

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