Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit changes careers and signs with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL

Louis Rees-Zammit, the quick Welsh rugby standout and fan favorite, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday.

Rugby supporters in the U.K. were furious when the 23-year-old Welshman left his sport and hometown for his long-shot NFL dream in January.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound speedster has signed with the Chiefs, the Super Bowl's latest winners.

The NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) sought to expand the league's international player base and attract international talent, which led Rees-Zammit across the pond.  He flew to Florida in January for 10 weeks of hard training and a March NFL club scout showcase.

Rees-Zammit was determined to alter sports and country, a huge feat.

Star said he “came to the real realization that, if I don’t do it now, I’ll probably regret it for the rest of my life.”

Rees-Zammit, known as “Rees Lightning” by fans, has played as a winger for Wales, Gloucester, and the British & Irish Lions.