Sammis Reyes returns to the NFL

Sammis Reyes has made history again in the United States. The 28-year-old Chilean is heading back to the NFL, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. It will be the fourth franchise that Reyes has represented during his career in the best American Football league in the world.

Minnesota, the next port of call for Sammis Reyes

His manager Kenneth Padilla, shared the news on social media this weekend. “It is very difficult to describe this moment, because of everything we went through, because of everything we experienced and why now, yes, we did something that for many seemed impossible,” Padilla said.

Reyes was born in Santiago, Chile but his family moved to the United States when he was 14 years old.

He applied for and was accepted for the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in early 2021 and after 10 weeks of training and an impressive Pro Day, was selected and signed by the Washington Commanders (then known as the Washington Football Team) on a three-year deal. While Chile has a long tradition of football (soccer), the country has very little connections to American Football and in April 2021, Reyes became the first Chilean-born player to star in the NFL, making his debut in October of that year against the New Orleans Saints - the first of 11 appearances.

Almost one year later, he was on the move again, joining the Chicago Bears’ practice squad, then in May 2023, he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, a blow to the head, during an August training caused an intracerebral hematoma, and effectively put paid to his time with the Jags. A few months later, the player insisted he had fully recovered and was hopeful of returning to the NFL. Minnesota ensured his dream has finally come true.