Rees-Zammit can see the similarities between Biggar and Mahomes
LOUIS Rees-Zammit believes that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shares many similarities with Dan Biggar as he outlined his hope that more rugby players might follow in his footsteps of pursuing a career in the NFL.
Rees-Zammit swapped rugby for American football earlier in the year, having signed a deal with Super Bowl champions Chiefs as he bids to nail down a place in Andy Reid’s 53-man roster.
As he chases his NFL dream, he’ll be working closely with Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl winner who is already considered one of the best to play American football.
And Rees-Zammit believes the two-time regular season MVP shares several traits with Biggar, who retired from Test rugby last year after winning 112 caps for Wales.
“Obviously, you’re looking at a quarterback and fly-half is probably the most similar position in rugby,” said Rees-Zammit.
“Patrick is unbelievable at reading the game. Playing with Dan Biggar, (he) was probably my favourite 10. He’s one of the best 10s to ever play the game.
“You can really see how they read the game so quick and be able to make decisions very quickly as well.
“I think the comparison in that, with Patrick Mahomes, he can read the game, he can read his cues, he can scan the defence quick and then make plays as well.
“Dan’s done that since he made his debut for Wales when I think he was maybe 18 or 19.
“I’d say he’s my favourite 10 to ever play.
“That’s the comparison, how quick they can read the game and make decisions off that.”
Rees-Zammit’s move to American football caused quite a reaction in rugby earlier this year, with the 23-year-old’s life becoming something of a whirlwind since then.
The former Wales wing said that he hadn’t spoken to any of his former team-mates in rugby about his experiences, but did say he hoped more would follow in his footsteps.
“I haven’t spoke to them about it,” he added. “There’s definitely players who could give it a go and succeed.
“It’s just whether they want to do that and leave rugby behind. There’s very talented internationals around the world and hopefully I can inspire more to make this change.”