For Chickasaw citizen and Kingston High School senior Jaime Lewis, stepping onto the field at U.S. Bank Stadium was more than just another football game — it was a glimpse into the future he hopes to build.
“It was truly an honor being able to play out on that field,” Lewis said. “Just having that dream of being out there to play one day, having been able to play on that stadium, on that field — very different going from a high school field to an NFL field.”
Lewis was one of 70 First American high school athletes selected nationwide to compete in the 2025 Native All-American Football Game Dec. 14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The weeklong event brought together some of the best First American athletes from across the country for training camps, cultural activities, mentorship sessions and a nationally recognized all-star game inside the Minnesota Vikings’ home stadium.
“My team was named Waya,” Lewis said. “It means wolf [in the Cherokee language].”
Lewis, a kicker, was given a rare opportunity to play for both teams — Waya and Tatanka (meaning “buffalo” in the Lakota language) — throughout the game, allowing him to contribute points on each side. Waya ultimately earned a 27-15 victory.
Kicking the ball through NFL goalposts presented its own challenge, as high school goalposts are much wider.
“You’ve got to be more accurate,” Lewis said. “Of course, there’s going to be pressure.”
Despite the pressure, Lewis accounted for three extra-point conversions for Waya and kicked a field goal for Tatanka, scoring points on each side of the stadium during the all-star matchup.
“There was a lot of opportunities for me to go out there and showcase my skills, and that’s exactly what I wanted,” Lewis said. “I had a lot of fun doing it. I got to go out there, do very good, compete.”
Before kickoff, players participated in a ceremonial smudging at midfield, an experience Lewis said was new and meaningful for him.
“It was the first time I’ve really done that,” he said.
Lewis said the chance to practice and compete on an NFL field helped him better understand the demands of the next level.
“Being out there on that NFL field, you could really think about what it would feel like during game days,” Lewis said. “You have people with cameras everywhere.”
Beyond the game itself, Lewis said the camps and meetings were just as impactful.
“I didn’t really know what to expect going into it,” Lewis said. “I loved it.”
The camps were intense, with full schedules including two-a-day practices, meetings and leadership sessions led by former NFL players and coaches. Lewis said the demanding pace helped prepare him mentally and physically for the next level.
“They definitely did test our limits a little bit,” Lewis said. “The message was very clear.”
Practices took place in an inflatable indoor facility the players referred to as “the bubble,” where Lewis continued refining his kicking, even improvising when goalposts were unavailable.
“Being in there and practicing myself, they didn’t have a goalpost or anything in there,” he said. “So, I used the soccer goal — kicked over that.”
Lewis said coaches and players took notice of his performance during practices, increasing his confidence heading into game day.
“Coaches and players, they were all very impressed with me,” he said. “They were extremely excited to see how I’d do toward the game.”
As the only Chickasaw citizen selected for the game, Lewis said he felt a strong sense of responsibility representing his tribe, family and community.
“Just knowing that I was up there representing something, doing something that not a lot of kids get to do,” he said. “I knew that I had something to play for.”
Lewis said he appreciated the opportunity to connect with other First American athletes from across the country, learning about their cultures and backgrounds while competing together.
“It’s pretty cool to see what these other guys are doing, too, for their tribe and their community,” Lewis said.
Lewis said the experience also taught him the value of leaning on people who love you when obstacles arise.
“Hearing how a lot of NFL players, they all experienced something, and they talked about how they were able to overcome that,” he said. “A lot of it was from their support system.”
Lewis’ support system is deeply rooted in his family — especially his father, Coby Lewis, a Chickasaw citizen who encouraged him to apply for the Native All-American Football Game and supported him throughout the process.
“One person that really sticks out — influences me the most — would have to be my dad,” Lewis said. “I don't think I would have been there if it wasn’t for him.”
Lewis said his father pushed him to apply, helped him meet deadlines and has supported him throughout his football career.
“Honestly, he’s helped me throughout my journey,” he said. “He’s supported me. He’s got me the supplies that I needed. He’s just been encouraging me every step of the way.”
Now back home and preparing to graduate in May, Lewis is focused on continuing his football journey at the collegiate level. He is exploring multiple college options while continuing to train and attend specialized kicking camps.
“I want my name to get out there,” Lewis said. “Hopefully, I’m able to showcase my skills.”