Kahlef Hailassie

Kahlef Hailassie (born November 9, 2000) is an American professional football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

College career Hailassie played college football for the Oregon Ducks from 2018 to 2019 and for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers from 2021 to 2022. He was named second-team all-conference for the Hilltoppers as a senior in 2022.

Professional career

Kansas City Chiefs On May 6, 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Hailassie to a three-year, $2.705 million contract as an undrafted free agent. He was waived at the final roster cuts on August 29.

Cleveland Browns On August 30, 2023, Hailassie was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. He was waived on October 26, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.

Minnesota Vikings On January 16, 2025, Hailassie signed a reserve/future contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. Hailassie was re-signed to the practice squad the next day.

Jacksonville Jaguars On September 17, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Hailassie from the Vikings' practice squad to their own active roster following the release of Darnell Savage. He was waived on November 17.

Minnesota Vikings (second stint) On November 26, 2025, Hailassie was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 5, 2026. On August 30, he was waived by the Vikings as part of the final roster cuts. He was signed to the Vikings practice squad the next day.