Born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, on May 28, 1977, Gabriel Walter Po’u Reid currently serves as the second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Reid’s commitment to God began at a young age as he grew up in the village of Leone in American Samoa. It continued to sustain him as he left his island, pursued a career in the National Football League, and faithfully followed God’s call to serve wherever he was needed.
From 1999 to 2002, Elder Reid played tight end for the BYU football team. Shortly after graduating in 2002 with his bachelor’s degree in international relations, he signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent, where he played from 2003 to 2006. After retiring from the NFL in 2007, he started a construction management company.
Prior to his calling to the Sunday School General Presidency in 2024, Elder Reid and his wife, Heather Lynn Sasse, served as mission leaders in the Australia Sydney Mission. Elder Reid has served in a variety of other capacities, including full-time missionary in the Chile Santiago South Mission, stake presidency counselor, stake Young Men president, high councilor, bishop, and temple ordinance worker.
Elder Reid and his wife have four children. Resolute in their commitment to Jesus Christ and His gospel, Elder Reid and his family live by the principle that “when the Lord tells you something, you just go ‘all in.’”1 Trusting in the Lord’s timing and guidance has shaped both his family and his faith.
Notes:
- “From American Samoa to the NFL to the mission field, Brother Gabriel W. Reid has learned to put God first,” Church News. August 3, 2024. https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2024/08/03/brother-gabriel-w-reid-sunday-school-general-presidency-bio-2024-byu-football-nfl-american-samoa/
