Chilean-American athlete who played in the NFL and professionally overseas, holding multiple records in Chilean basketball. Known for his versatility and achievements in both sports.
Sammis Reyes, born Sammis Daniel Reyes Martel, is a Chilean gridiron football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He famously became the first player from Chile to play in the NFL, marking a historic milestone in the league's history.
Reyes was born on October 19, 1995, in Talcahuano, Chile, and grew up playing basketball as a youth member of the Chile national team. His family moved to Santiago shortly after, where he continued to develop his basketball skills, eventually joining the Boston College Sports Club, a member of the Liga Nacional de Bsquetbol de Chile.
At the age of 14, Reyes received an athletic scholarship to attend Westlake Prep in the Miami metropolitan area. He went on to play college basketball at Hawaii, Palm Beach State, Tulane, and Loyola New Orleans, graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree from the latter.
Despite his success in basketball, Reyes failed to qualify for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which led him to switch to football. He was accepted into the NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) and signed with the Washington Football Team after impressing scouts at a demonstration event in 2021.
Reyes made a few game appearances with Washington on special teams that season before being released the following year due to injuries. He has since been a member of the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, eventually signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
Reyes' transition from basketball to football was met with skepticism by some, but he has since proven himself as a formidable tight end in the NFL.
Reyes' trailblazing journey has inspired a new generation of Chilean athletes to pursue careers in American football, breaking down cultural and geographical barriers in the process.
Reyes' determination and perseverance have earned him a spot in the NFL, making him an inspiration to athletes around the world.
51 Years Old
Chile's all-time leading scorer, a prolific striker who played for top clubs like Lazio and Juventus, and led his country to the 1998 World Cup round of 16.
76 Years Old
Chile's first player to score three goals in a World Cup match, known for his impressive skills on the field and iconic mustache.
39 Years Old
A skilled and dynamic midfielder who has played for top clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, known for his tenacious style and goal-scoring ability from midfield.