Sammis Reyes Bio
Sammis Daniel Reyes Martel is a Chilean professional football tight end who made history as the first player from Chile to play in the National Football League. Born on October 19, 1995, in Talcahuano, Chile, Reyes spent his early years playing basketball before moving to the United States at age 14 on an athletic scholarship. He played college basketball at several institutions before transitioning to football through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2021. Reyes has since played for multiple NFL teams, including the Washington Football Team, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Minnesota Vikings.
Early Life and Background
Sammis Daniel Reyes Martel was born on October 19, 1995, in Talcahuano, a port city in the Greater Concepción metropolitan area of Chile. His family relocated to Santiago shortly after his birth, where Reyes grew up playing soccer and basketball. At age nine, he joined the Boston College Sports Club, a member of the Liga Nacional de Básquetbol de Chile, and was recruited to join the Chile national basketball team two years later. Reyes was a member of the Boston College team that finished as runners-up at the 2014 Campioni del Domani, a Chilean youth basketball tournament.
During a United States tour with the Chilean youth national team in 2010, Reyes was scouted by American recruiters and offered a scholarship to attend Westlake Prep in the Miami metropolitan area. He left Chile by himself at age 14 knowing almost no English and quickly learned the language through exposure to film and music. After Westlake Prep shut down, he transferred briefly to Saint Andrews School in Boca Raton before settling at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Florida. During this time, he met and befriended Alex Rifkind while playing together in an Amateur Athletic Union basketball circuit, and eventually moved in with the Rifkind family.
Path to the NFL
Reyes signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at the University of Hawaii in 2014 but suffered a hand injury that forced him to miss his freshman season. Feeling homesick and dissatisfied after the school fired head coach Gib Arnold mid-season, he dropped out and returned to Florida to recover. He then attended Palm Beach State College for a semester before transferring to Tulane University in 2016, where he played two seasons with the Green Wave. He played in just two games in 2017 after opting out due to limited playing time.
Reyes ended his basketball career after Chile failed to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. He worked as an athletic trainer until the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from continuing, then worked as a driver for DoorDash before deciding to pursue professional American football. Despite knowing nearly nothing about football, he applied for and was accepted into the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program as a tight end prospect. He spent 10 weeks training and learning the sport at IMG Academy in Bradenton before participating alongside other program players at the University of Florida’s Pro Day on March 31, 2021. His athletic performance generated interest from several NFL teams.
Sammis Reyes Career
Washington Football Team (2021)
Reyes signed a three-year contract with the Washington Football Team on April 13, 2021, becoming the first Chilean-born player in NFL history upon signing. He cited his residency in the Washington metropolitan area and his fit with the team’s culture as factors in his decision. Reyes also was selected by the Toronto Argonauts 34th overall in the 2021 CFL Global Draft but never signed a contract with the team.
He made his professional debut against the New Orleans Saints in October 2021, playing a limited number of snaps on special teams. He spent a week on the team’s COVID-19 reserve list in December 2021. Reyes finished the season having played in 11 games, primarily on special teams, where he recorded two tackles. During training camp for the 2022 season, he suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on the injured reserve list before being released with an injury settlement on August 23, 2022.
Chicago Bears (2022)
On October 18, 2022, Reyes signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad. During his time there, the Bears briefly attempted to convert him to a defensive lineman. He was released by the Bears in 2023.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2023)
On May 16, 2023, Reyes signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. On August 14, 2023, he announced his retirement from professional football through his Instagram account, citing a concussion as the reason for his decision. Reyes stated his desire to return to football on February 28, 2024, and was subsequently waived by the Jaguars.
Minnesota Vikings (2024–Present)
On May 13, 2024, Reyes signed with the Minnesota Vikings through the International Player Pathway Program. He was waived on August 26, 2024, and signed to the team’s practice squad two days later.
Athletic Profile and Transition
Reyes brings an uncommon athletic profile to the tight end position, standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 260 pounds. His basketball background, particularly his experience as a power forward and his time competing for the Chile national team, shaped his athletic development and competitive mindset. Though he had only briefly tried football for a week in high school before stopping to focus on basketball, the International Player Pathway Program provided him with intensive training to develop the fundamentals of the sport. His transition from basketball to football demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to pursue a new athletic challenge at the professional level.
Notable Milestones
Reyes achieved historic status as the first Chilean player to play in the NFL when he signed with Washington in 2021. His journey from basketball courts in Chile to NFL training camps illustrates his versatility as an athlete and determination to succeed in a new sport. Though his professional football career has included injuries and position adjustments, his ability to return after announcing retirement highlights his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning multiple teams, Reyes has appeared in a combined 11 games with 1 start, recording 2 tackles on special teams.
NFL Career Statistics
Reyes appeared in 11 games during his rookie season with Washington in 2021, establishing the foundation of his professional football career. His limited game appearances reflect his role as a developmental player focused on special teams contributions while adjusting to the sport.
Family and Personal Life
Family Background
Reyes was born in Talcahuano, Chile, in 1995 and spent his formative years there before his family moved to Santiago. He began playing organized basketball at age nine and advanced rapidly through youth ranks before being selected for Chile’s national team by age 11. His early immersion in competitive basketball shaped his work ethic and athletic discipline that would later serve him in his football career.
Personal Life
Reyes graduated from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business with a degree in business management before playing his final year of collegiate eligibility at Loyola University New Orleans in 2018. At Loyola, he also completed a Master of Business Administration degree. In addition to playing for various American college teams, he continued to participate with the Chile national team in international events, including the 2011 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers. Reyes appeared in a 2021 Chilean advertisement for Pepsi Zero.
2025 Season Outlook
Following his time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Reyes continues to pursue opportunities in professional football heading into the 2025 season. His International Player Pathway Program background and experience across four NFL organizations provide him with a foundation to compete for a roster spot. His journey from basketball to football demonstrates his ability to adapt and learn new sports, making him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking athletic versatility at the tight end position.