Introduction
Cairo Fernandes Santos is a name that resonates with pride in the world of American football, particularly for Brazilians. Born on November 12, 1991, in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, Cairo is the first Brazilian-born player to compete in the National Football League (NFL), the premier American football league in the United States. As a placekicker, a position specializing in field goals and extra points, he has built a solid and inspiring career marked by perseverance, precision, and dedication. His journey began far from the NFL fields, in a country where soccer reigns supreme, and evolved into success in one of the world’s most competitive sports leagues.
Cairo represents not only individual talent but also the possibility of transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. He has become a symbol for young Brazilian athletes aspiring to explore sports beyond traditional soccer. Throughout his career, he has amassed impressive statistics, awards, and memorable moments that place him among the NFL’s most reliable kickers. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 172 pounds, Cairo compensates for his modest stature with impeccable technique and consistency, proving that skill trumps size in sports.
This article explores his early life, college career, professional journey in the NFL, achievements, personal life, and the latest updates as of October 2025. His story is a testament to perseverance, from his days as an exchange student to the spotlight of packed stadiums.
Early Life and Education
Cairo Santos was born in Limeira but spent much of his childhood in Brasília, Brazil’s capital. His father worked as a pilot for Varig airlines, providing the family with a comfortable life filled with travel. From a young age, Cairo showed an aptitude for sports, particularly soccer, where his powerful kicks already stood out. However, American football was entirely unknown to him until he was 15.
In 2007, Cairo decided to participate in an exchange program in the United States to improve his English. He enrolled at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine, Florida. Initially, he planned to stay for just one year, but everything changed when he discovered American football. As a soccer player in Brazil, Cairo tried kicking field goals and realized his skills were perfectly suited for the kicker position. His high school coaches noticed his potential and encouraged him to stay in the U.S. to develop his talent.
At St. Joseph Academy, Cairo honed his kicking techniques, participating in games and rigorous training. He quickly stood out, converting long and accurate field goals, which earned him a college scholarship. This phase was pivotal, shaping both his athletic career and his adaptation to American culture. Cairo became a naturalized U.S. citizen while maintaining strong ties to Brazil. A tragedy struck in 2013 when his father passed away in a plane crash in Brazil, an event that further motivated Cairo to honor his family legacy through success in sports.
His secondary education was complemented by values like discipline and focus, learned in both Brazil and the U.S. Cairo often credits his Brazilian upbringing for his resilience and his exchange student experience for opening unexpected doors.
College Career
Cairo Santos’s college career began in 2010 at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He chose Tulane over offers from schools like Georgia Tech, Jacksonville, and Miami (OH). Playing for the Tulane Green Wave, Cairo established himself as one of the most talented kickers in college football.
In his freshman year (2010), Cairo played all 12 games, leading the team in points with 13 of 16 field goals and 32 of 33 extra points (PATs). He also handled kickoffs, earning Conference USA (C-USA) All-Freshman Team honors and an honorable mention All-C-USA. His early accuracy signaled a promising future.
In 2011, he played all 13 games, finishing second in team scoring with 11 of 18 field goals and 33 of 34 PATs. He also took on punting duties, averaging 41 yards per punt, showcasing his versatility.
The 2012 season was his peak: Cairo converted 21 of 21 field goals, including a school-record 57-yarder, and 26 of 27 PATs. He became the second kicker in NCAA history to make at least 20 field goals without missing in a season. Twelve of those were from beyond 40 yards, two from over 50. His 31 touchbacks in 55 kickoffs highlighted his strength. Cairo won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top placekicker and was named a consensus All-American.
In 2013, he continued his strong performance, participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, where he made a 39-yard field goal. His Tulane career ended with impressive statistics, preparing him for the NFL draft. Though undrafted, his college performance caught the attention of professional scouts.
Professional Career
Cairo Santos entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2014. His career has spanned multiple teams, marked by highs, lows, injuries, and triumphant returns.
Kansas City Chiefs (2014–2017)
Cairo earned the starting kicker role over veteran Ryan Succop. He debuted on September 7, 2014, against the Tennessee Titans, becoming the first Brazilian to play in a regular-season NFL game. After missing his first two field goals, he made 13 consecutive ones, including a game-winner against the San Diego Chargers and a 53-yarder against the St. Louis Rams. In 2014, he converted 25 of 30 field goals (83.3%) and all 38 PATs, scoring 113 points—a Chiefs rookie record.
In 2015, he set a team record with seven field goals in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, including two from over 50 yards. He finished with 30 of 37 field goals (81.1%) and 39 of 41 PATs, totaling 129 points. In the playoffs, he made three field goals in a win over the Houston Texans and two against the New England Patriots.
In 2016, he hit a 54-yarder against the Texans and a game-winner in overtime against the Broncos. Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November, he finished with 31 of 35 field goals (88.6%) and 36 of 39 PATs.
In 2017, a groin injury limited him to three games, where he went 3 for 3 on field goals and made 12 PATs before being placed on injured reserve.
Chicago Bears (First Stint, 2017)
Cairo signed with the Bears in November 2017. In two games, he made 1 of 2 field goals and 14 PATs but was placed on injured reserve again due to a groin injury.
New York Jets (2018)
He signed a one-year deal in March 2018 but was released in August without playing.
Los Angeles Rams (2018)
Cairo joined the Rams in October 2018 to replace the injured Greg Zuerlein. In two games, he made 5 of 6 field goals and 5 of 6 PATs, including a game-winner against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018–2019)
He signed in November 2018. In seven games, he made 9 of 12 field goals and 17 PATs. Re-signed in 2019, he was released before the season.
Tennessee Titans (2019)
Cairo joined in September 2019. In five games, he made 4 of 9 field goals and 12 PATs but was released after missing kicks in a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Chicago Bears (Second Stint, 2020–Present)
Cairo returned to the Bears in 2020, starting on the practice squad but quickly earning a roster spot. He made 30 of 32 field goals (93.8%) and 36 of 37 PATs, setting team records. He earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and Player of the Month honors in December.
In 2021, he extended a streak of 40 consecutive field goals, finishing with 26 of 30 field goals and 27 of 28 PATs.
In 2022, he earned another Player of the Week award, making 21 of 23 field goals.
In 2023, he was named Player of the Month in November, converting 35 of 38 field goals, and signed a contract extension through 2027.
In 2024, he made 21 of 25 field goals, including a Bears-record eight from beyond 50 yards.
In the 2025 season, through Week 5 (four games), Cairo has converted 6 of 7 field goals (85.7%), with a long of 52 yards, and 1 of 1 PAT, totaling 29 points.
Achievements and Records
Cairo’s accolades include the Lou Groza Award (2012), consensus All-American (2012), AFC Special Teams Player of the Month (2016), and NFC Special Teams Player of the Month (2020, 2023), as well as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (2020, 2022). His records include seven field goals in a single game (NFL and Chiefs record), 40 consecutive field goals (Bears record), and a high career field goal percentage.
His career stats through October 2025: 247 of 289 field goals (85.5%), 318 of 334 PATs (95.2%), a longest field goal of 55 yards, and 1,059 points in 154 games.
Personal Life
Cairo is married and maintains strong ties to Brazil, paying tribute to the Chapecoense soccer team in NFL campaigns. He is active in social causes, inspiring young Brazilian athletes. His U.S. citizenship does not diminish his Brazilian pride; he frequently visits Brazil and promotes American football there.
Recent Updates (2025)
As of October 2025, Cairo faces a challenge: on October 13, he was listed as inactive for the game against the Washington Commanders due to a right quadriceps injury, his first absence due to injury in six years with the Bears. Jake Moody replaced him. Despite this, his performance this season remains solid, but the injury may affect his streak. Cairo remains on the Bears’ roster with a contract through 2027, and fans await his swift recovery.
