Former Jaguars TE Sammis Reyes Explains Reason For Retirement

Former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Sammis Reyes retired from the NFL this week, months after signing with the Jaguars and going through the offseason program and the first half of training camp with them. In a social media post, Reyes explains that his abrupt retirement is the result of a concussion he sustained in practice.

“I am here today making this video because about two weeks ago I suffered a concussion that has lingered for a little bit more time than I expected,” Reyes said in a video posted to Instagram. “It was after seven days of no sleep and painful symptoms that I realized I was doing myself and my family a disservice.

“Today I sit here with conflicting emotions because I have decided to retire from the NFL. It hurts to not know how far my talents could have taken me, but I do know one thing: I will never forgive myself if I can’t be the same husband, the same son, the same friend, and the same person that I was before if I don’t take care of my health.”

Reyes initially entered professional football when he was signed by Washington in April of 2021. During the 2021 season, he appeared in 11 games making one start with the Commanders. When he made his NFL debut, he became the first player born in Chile to play in an NFL game.

Originally from Talcahauno, Chile, Reyes played basketball at Tulane University (2016-18) and on the Chilean National team before starting his football career in 2021.