Cairo Fernandes Santos Bio
Cairo Fernandes Santos is a Brazilian-American professional American football placekicker currently playing for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Brazil, Santos has made history as the first Brazilian-born player in the NFL, establishing a notable career since entering the league in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Cairo Santos was born on November 12, 1991, in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, and was raised in Brasília, the country’s capital. His father worked as a pilot for Varig, a Brazilian airline. Santos was unfamiliar with American football until he moved to St. Augustine, Florida, as a foreign exchange student at age 15. Originally planning to stay for only one year to learn English at St. Joseph Academy, he discovered that his soccer kicking skills translated well to American football placekicking.
Recognizing the opportunity to earn a college scholarship, Santos remained in Florida and honed his kicking abilities throughout high school. His early exposure to soccer in Brazil laid the foundation for his successful transition to American football.
Path to American Football
Santos committed to Tulane University in 2010, where he played college football for the Tulane Green Wave. He quickly made an impact as a freshman, earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team and honorable mention All-Conference USA. His sophomore and junior seasons saw continued success, including a breakout junior year where he set a school record with a 57-yard field goal and went perfect on 21 field goal attempts.
In 2012, Santos was recognized as a consensus All-American and received the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding placekicker. He also participated in the 2014 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, showcasing his skills to professional scouts.
Cairo Santos Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, Santos was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. He won the starting kicker job, becoming the first Brazilian-born player to play in an NFL regular season game. Santos quickly established himself by making clutch field goals, including a game-winner against the San Diego Chargers and a 53-yard field goal against the St. Louis Rams during his rookie season.
He set team rookie records for points scored and field goals made, and in 2015, he became the first Brazilian to play in an NFL playoff game. Santos continued to perform well with the Chiefs until injuries and team changes led to his release in 2017.
Journeyman Years (2017–2019)
Following his time with the Chiefs, Santos had brief stints with several NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tennessee Titans. Despite short tenures, he made notable contributions such as a game-winning field goal for the Rams and a perfect debut with the Titans.
These years were marked by transitions and challenges, but Santos maintained his reputation as a reliable kicker when given opportunities.
Chicago Bears Era (2020–Present)
Santos rejoined the Chicago Bears in 2020 and quickly became a key player on their special teams unit. He earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and Month honors during the 2020 season and set a franchise record with 27 consecutive successful field goals. His consistent performance earned him a three-year contract extension in 2021 and a four-year extension in 2023 worth $16 million.
Throughout the 2020s, Santos has been recognized for his long-range kicking ability, including multiple field goals over 50 yards, and clutch game-winning kicks, notably against the Green Bay Packers. Despite some injuries, he remains a critical asset for the Bears.
Driving Style and Strengths
Santos is known for his accuracy and strong leg, particularly on long-distance field goals. His soccer background contributes to his precise kicking technique and ability to perform under pressure. His partnership with Bears’ coaching staff has helped him maintain consistency and adapt to challenging game conditions.
Notable Events and Milestones
He holds the Bears franchise record for most field goals of 50 yards or longer in a single season and was the first Brazilian-born player to participate in an NFL playoff game. His game-winning field goals in critical matchups have become signature moments of his career.
Cairo Santos Career Wins
Over his NFL career, Santos has accumulated numerous game-winning field goals and set records for rookie scoring and consecutive successful kicks. His tenure with the Chicago Bears has been particularly fruitful, highlighted by multiple special teams awards and franchise records.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
During his rookie season with the Chiefs, Santos set team records for points by a rookie and field goals made. He kicked seven field goals in a single game, tying for the second most in NFL history. His postseason performances included the longest field goals in Chiefs playoff history at the time.
Chicago Bears Highlights
Since returning to the Bears, Santos has been a consistent scoring threat, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and Month honors multiple times. He set a franchise record with 27 consecutive field goals and holds the team record for most field goals over 50 yards in a season.
Cairo Santos Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Santos was raised in a supportive family in Brazil, with his father working as a pilot. His father was a significant influence and supporter of his career until his passing in 2013. Santos honors his father’s memory regularly in his professional achievements.
Personal Life
Santos is a naturalized U.S. citizen and has publicly shared the impact of his father’s death on his life and career. He has also participated in charitable campaigns, including honoring the victims of the Chapecoense football club plane crash. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Santos continued to demonstrate his value to the Chicago Bears with multiple clutch field goals and consistent scoring. Despite a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for a few games, he returned to contribute key points in close contests. His ability to perform under pressure remains a vital component of the Bears’ special teams strategy.
His recent contract extension through 2027 reflects the team’s confidence in his skills and leadership. Santos’ experience and accuracy make him a cornerstone of the Bears’ kicking game as they aim for playoff contention.