Kahlef Hailassie is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 9, 2000, in Elk Grove, California, Hailassie pursued collegiate football at both the University of Oregon and Western Kentucky University before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. Throughout his early professional career, he has demonstrated versatility by contributing on multiple NFL rosters while continuing to develop his skills at the safety position.
Kahlef Hailassie Bio
Kahlef Hailassie stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 195 pounds, physical dimensions that complement his role as a safety in the NFL. His journey to professional football included stops at two major college programs where he refined his defensive abilities and earned recognition for his on-field performance. Since beginning his professional career in 2023, Hailassie has been a member of four NFL franchises, showcasing his adaptability and determination to earn a permanent roster spot in the league.
Early Life and Background
Hailassie grew up in Elk Grove, California, where he attended Cosumnes Oaks High School. During his high school years, he played football and developed the foundational skills that would later support his transition to collegiate athletics. His performance at the high school level helped pave the way for his recruitment to major college football programs.
Path to Professional Football
After graduating from high school, Hailassie enrolled at the University of Oregon, joining the Oregon Ducks football program in 2018. He spent two seasons with the Pac-12 conference program from 2018 to 2019, gaining valuable experience against some of the top competition in college football. Following his time in Oregon, Hailassie transferred to Western Kentucky University, joining the Hilltoppers program for the 2021 season. His senior season in 2022 proved to be his most successful collegiate campaign, as he earned second-team all-conference honors for his standout defensive play.
Kahlef Hailassie Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Hailassie began his collegiate journey at the University of Oregon, playing as a defensive back for the Oregon Ducks from 2018 through 2019. His tenure in the Pac-12 provided him with exposure to high-level competition and helped him develop the technical skills necessary for the safety position. The experience gained during these formative college years contributed to his growth as a fundamentally sound defender.
Upon transferring to Western Kentucky University for the 2021 season, Hailassie continued to hone his craft within the Hilltoppers defense. His senior season in 2022 marked the culmination of his collegiate development, as he delivered consistent performances that earned him second-team all-conference recognition. This achievement underscored his development into a reliable defensive player capable of making significant contributions at the college level.
Kansas City Chiefs (2023)
Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Hailassie attracted interest from NFL teams due to his collegiate performance and physical tools. On May 6, 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Hailassie to a three-year contract worth $2.705 million as an undrafted free agent. The opportunity to join a franchise coming off a Super Bowl victory provided him with an invaluable learning environment. However, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, as teams finalized their 53-player rosters.
Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)
One day after being waived by the Chiefs, Hailassie was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on August 30, 2023. This acquisition gave him the opportunity to continue his professional development within the Browns organization. He spent the remainder of the 2023 season and much of the 2024 season with the Browns, appearing in games and contributing on special teams while also serving on the practice squad. On October 26, 2024, he was waived by the Browns and re-signed to their practice squad, maintaining his connection to the league.
Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)
Hailassie signed a reserve/future contract with the Minnesota Vikings on January 16, 2025, marking a new chapter in his professional career. He competed for a roster spot during the offseason program and training camp. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of the Vikings final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His tenure with the Vikings continued as he worked to elevate his game and earn a promotion to the active roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hailassie brings solid size for the safety position, allowing him to be effective against both the pass and the run. His collegiate career at two different programs demonstrated his adaptability to varying defensive schemes and his ability to learn multiple systems. He has shown competence in zone coverage and has displayed the instincts necessary to read plays and make tackles in space.
Kahlef Hailassie Career Statistics
Throughout his first two seasons in the NFL, Hailassie has accumulated limited but meaningful statistics while serving primarily on special teams and rotational defensive roles. His experience across multiple organizations has provided him with valuable game exposure at the professional level.
NFL Statistics
In his rookie season during 2023, Hailassie recorded 8 total tackles and 1 pass deflection across his appearances with the Cleveland Browns. These figures reflect his contributions on special teams and limited defensive snaps as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football.
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Cleveland Browns | 8 | 1 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a period of significant roster movement for Hailassie. After beginning the year with the Minnesota Vikings on their practice squad, he received an opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 17, 2025, when they signed him from the Vikings practice squad following the release of Darnell Savage. This promotion represented a chance to contribute on an active NFL roster. However, he was waived by the Jaguars on November 17, 2025, and returned to the Vikings organization on November 26, 2025, when he was signed to their practice squad. The frequent transitions highlighted the competitive nature of earning a sustained role in the NFL. He concluded the season by signing a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 5, 2026, securing his place with the organization for the upcoming season.