The Last Thursday the player Sammis Reyes became the first Chilean to play in an NFL game when he made his debut in the preseason game between the Washington Football Team and the Patriots.
The score was 22-13 in favor of the patriots, but one of the most relevant things was the Chilean’s debut. It not only made noise in Chile, but it also impressed in the United States.
In fact, the Washington Post He dedicated an article to him in which he highlighted the history and ability of the Chilean. In addition, they contextualize with the words of Reyes after the meeting with the Patriots and the images that went viral with the Chilean flag.
“He was yelling at me in Spanish and I knew he was Chilean from the accent… I get emotional because a Chilean had never been in the NFL. Where we come from there are not many opportunities. And I am clear that there are many people who are watching me. Lots of kids are looking at me and texting me every day. Having the opportunity to represent my country on this stage means the world to me ”, acknowledged after his debut.
In addition, they tell how they discovered him before he signed the 3-year contract with the Washington’s in the words of coach Ron Rivera himself: “When Marty (executive vice president of player personnel) saw him, he called me, Martin ( the general manager) and Eric (senior director of player personnel) and we talked about this player from time to time (…) To be honest, he immediately reminded me of Jimmy Graham. You think about the great player he has become and you start to think if (Reyes) can grow and develop ”.
Thus, in the well-known American media they describe that it is difficult for the Chilean to go unnoticed: “He has the body of a bodybuilder, he’s as athletic as a power forward and a mental toughness that perhaps not even the toughest athletes can boast; When he was 14 years old, Reyes came to the United States to start a new life. Only.”
They complement by explaining that Reyes himself attributes his growth, among other things, to the help he has received from other more experienced players, especially tight end Logan Thomas.
“He has helped me with every play. Whenever I have questions we talk on the phone and talk. It has been spectacular to have someone like Logan helping me ”, acknowledges the Chilean.
About his future, he explains that he spends his time training very hard to improve. In fact, he has a machine to throw balls and he can catch them and thus train in his own home.
“I am not the type of player who wants to recriminate things when I retire. I mean I did my best and if it didn’t work, it wasn’t due to lack of effort; it was for something else. So I’m giving it my all. I’m working hard and I’m doing everything I can to help the team win… I’m not here just to play. I’m not happy with just that. I want to help the team win ”, the historic Chilean player sentenced.
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