Fred Warner, Bryce Young, Isiah Pacheco lead Latinos in NFL
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Carlos Leon-Trejo, Contributor
- September 5, 2024
More than 40 Latinos on NFL rosters in 2024
The 2024 NFL season will kick off when the Ravens face Patrick Mahomes’ two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Isiah Pacheco.
More than 40 players of Latino descent are currently on NFL rosters, showcasing the league’s growing diversity. From established stars to promising young rookies, these athletes are making an impact. Here’s a look at the NFL’s Top 10 Latinos to look out for this season.
No. 1 – Fred Warner LB | 49ers
Elevating the 49ers’ defense since arriving in 2018, Federico “Fred” Warner has been a force to be reckoned with. Warner was a starter his rookie season when he made his presence felt against Minnesota with 11 solo tackles, one pass deflection and a forced fumble.
The veteran linebacker has been consistent with over 115 combined tackles in each of his six seasons in the NFL. The Mexican Panamanian American star has solidified himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
Fred Warner has made two Super Bowl appearances with the 49ers.
No. 2 – Isiah Pacheco – RB | Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco is known for having an aggressive and powerful running style. The standout of Puerto Rican roots has a tendency for delivering in clutch situations.
In his first rookie season, Pacheco was the starting running back for the Chiefs during their Super Bowl LVII run in 2022.
The aggressive power runner played a pivotal role in the run game to help the Chiefs return to Super Bowl LVIII and come out with a victory. Pacheco is the only running back in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls in his first two seasons.
No. 3 – Chris Olave – WR | Saints
Chris Olave, the speedy Cuban American wideout, left a lasting impression at the 2022 NFL Combine clocking in at a phenomenal speed of 4.39-seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Olave solidified his first round pick status with his incredible performance. Since being drafted by the Saints with the 11th overall pick in 2022, Olave has lived up to his combine performance by becoming one of the most exciting young receivers in the league.
After being named to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team, Olave went on to put back to back 1,000-yard seasons.
No. 4 – Bryce Young – QB | Panthers
While it may be surprising to see him on this list, Bryce Young, the former first overall pick, has Mexican roots.
The Alabama standout was selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The young quarterback faced plenty of adversity in his rookie season.
With a revamped offense led by fellow Latino coach Dave Canales, the resilient quarterback is looking to make his presence felt this season.
No. 5 – Christian Gonzalez – CB | Patriots
It was a moment of pride for Christian Gonzalez when the Patriots’ first-rounder proudly displayed the Colombian flag on draft night 2023.
Gonzalez transferred to the University of Oregon in 2022 and was named first team All-Pac 12.
In his rookie season, the speedy defender caught his first interception against the Dolphins on Sept. 17 and later received the Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
Although his rookie season was cut short due to injuries, Gonzalez hopes to solidify his status as a rising star in the league.
No. 6 – Cesar Ruiz OL | New Orleans Saints
Cesar Ruiz has been a reliable force on the Saints’ offensive line. The Saints’ offensive lineman with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots has consistently delivered stellar performances.
Ruiz is a key part of the Saints’ offensive line. He helps protect Derek Carr and creates running lanes for the Saints’ backfield.
In 2023, The Saints rewarded Ruiz with a four-year contract extension, showing their commitment to him as a key piece to the offensive line.
More from Our Esquina
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Chiefs rook Isiah Pacheco recalls painful journey
No. 7 – Malcolm Rodriguez LB | Detroit Lions
As the Lions continue to strive for championship glory, Malcolm Rodriguez will be a key piece to the puzzle.
Rodriguez made the transition from safety to linebacker in 2019 while playing at Oklahoma State and quickly became a standout. The versatile linebacker left a lasting impression in his final college game, earning the 2022 Fiesta Bowl MVP.
Drafted by the Lions in 2022, Rodriguez started 15 games in his rookie season and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. As Rodriguez enters his third season with the Lions, he’s determined to make an impact as the Lions chase a championship in 2024.
No. 8 – Cairo Santos K | Chicago Bears
Santos is the first Brazilian-born player to make it in the league. Santos’ football journey started on the soccer pitch. His Brazilian roots and exceptional soccer skills paved the way for his success as a kicker in high school.
Santos committed to Tulane in 2010 and started all 12 games. The former St. Joseph’s Academy standout won the Lou Groza award for being the nation’s best kicker.
After a successful college career, the São Paulo native went undrafted. Santos started his career after signing with the Chiefs. Currently in his sixth season with the Bears and 12th in the NFL, Santos continues to make history and inspire a new generation of football fans.
No. 9 – Will Hernández OL| Arizona Cardinals
Hernandez, a two-way standout from Chaparral High School, excelled on both sides of the ball. He earned All-Nevada honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman. Despite receiving only one offer by UTEP, he dominated in college and earned All-Conference honors. He was drafted by the Giants in 2018. Entering his seventh season in the NFL, the Mexican American lineman aims to lead the Cardinals back to the postseason and solidify his legacy among the league’s best.
No. 10 – Steve Avila OL | Los Angeles Rams
Estebán Avila, or as fans know him, “Steve,” is a rising star in the NFL. Avila was drafted by the Rams in 2023 after a standout season at TCU.
He established himself as a dominant force. Entering his second season, Avila is transitioning to center and aims to be a key contributor to the Rams’ offensive line. Avila, who is of Mexican descent, started an impressive 17 games as a rookie last year.
Carlos Leon-Trejo
Contributor
Carlos Leon-Trejo is a co-host on the Bring on the Blitz! podcast on the Our Esquina network. A graduate of the University of Houston-Victoria, Leon-Trejo teaches fifth grade math and science in Houston ISD.
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