Elijah Higgins

Elijah Higgins, much more than just an acclaimed American professional footballer who, as a tight end, has made a considerable impact for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 27, 2000, Higgins spent his formative educational and football years in both Florida and Texas, prepping himself for a career that would eventually witness significant successes on the field.

Raised in the high sunshine of Florida, Higgins decided to further pursue his education and dream of becoming a footballer in the heart of Texas. He transferred to Bowie High School in Austin where his talents began to receive a wider audience. His senior season witnessed a milestone achievement when he was selected to play in the coveted Under Armour All-America Game- an honour bestowed only on the most promising college football prospects.

During his high school career, Higgins emerged as a four-star recruit, a rating that undoubtedly garnered significant attention from many illustrious colleges. Among them was Stanford, one of the most prestigious educational and athletic institutions, where he committed to play college football.

The transition from high school to college was seamless for Higgins. As a freshman at Stanford, he played in all of the season’s games, primarily on special teams, making a significant impact from the go. But it was during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season when his potential truly became evident. Higgins recorded 15 receptions for 176 yards, putting his talents firmly on the display. His performance set even higher expectations for his junior season, and unsurprisingly, he did not disappoint. Higgins led Stanford with 45 receptions for 500 yards, quickly becoming a key player for his team. Furthering his success, he completed his senior season with a whopping 59 catches accumulating 704 yards, and scored two touchdowns.

The 2023 NFL Draft marked Higgins’ transition to the professional football sphere. He was picked in the sixth round, 197th overall, by the reputed Miami Dolphins. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was waived off on August 29 of the same year. Just a day later, Higgins found a new home, getting claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals on August 30, 2023.

At the beginning of his career with the Cardinals, Higgins played in 11 games, starting 2 in his rookie year. He finished his first professional season with 14 receptions on 19 targets, totaling 163 yards and scoring one touchdown.

At the start of the 2024 season, Higgins was appointed as the Cardinals’ second-string tight end behind the famous Trey McBride. In the week one game against the Buffalo Bills, he caught two passes for 12 yards, even though the game ended in a disappointing 34-28 loss for the Cardinals. Yet, in week two, against the Los Angeles Rams, Elijah showed his caliber by catching a touchdown and an 18-yard pass, contributing to the Cardinals’ 41-10 win.

In addition to his personal achievements and football career, Higgins shares a deep lineage to the sport. His father was a college football player for South Florida, a legacy which surely must have inspired and contributed to his journey in the sport.

Elijah Higgins is not just a name but a testament to strong will, sharp skill, and unwavering dedication within the realm of American football. His story continues to inspire many young athletes across the world.