PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Grad student offensive lineman Jacky Chen (Port Jefferson, N.Y./Port Jefferson) of the Pace University football team was signed by the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League Sunday, April 30 after a stellar five-year career with the Setters.

Last season, Chen started nine games for the Setters on their offensive line, helping Pace reach over 3,500 yards of offense on the year as Pace had 19 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns. Over the course of his career, Chen played in a total of 30 games and was one of the most efficient members of the offensive line.

Speaking on getting signed by the Vikings, Chen said, "It was an incredible moment, a moment you dream about since you're a kid. When I got the call, I don't even think it really hit me. But few minutes later the emotions and feelings started flowing, and that's when I had a major moment of reflection."

Pace football head coach Andy Rondeau talked about how much Chen has meant to the football program. "I'm thrilled for Jacky and his opportunity." Rondeau said. "He is an absolute product of the process. He's worked at it just to be the best that he can be. He'll stay with the process to have his best results at the next level."

Chen looked back at his time with the Setters and has an appreciation for everybody that has helped him along the way. "Going through hell and back at Pace, all the adversity I had to go through, all the blood, sweat and tears, it all came full circle, and it was just an unforgettable moment with my family. Now a kid who was given an opportunity to play college ball five years ago by Coach Rondeau, Coach Gilmartin and Coach Gruber is playing in the NFL. I could not thank Pace University Athletics enough for everything."

Chen will report to Vikings rookie camp on May 11.