Bryce Young sets the stage for growing list of Latinos in the NFL playoffs
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Perla Paredes Hernández, Contributor
- January 9, 2026
Latinos to watch in the NFL playoffs
Once, a Latino child might sit inches from the television watching the NFL without any hopes of finding a surname like theirs. That disconnect is narrowing. Moreover, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is proof that Latinos in the NFL don’t always have traditional Latino surnames.
The road to Super Bowl LIX will lead to a milestone moment: a halftime show led by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. He will perform his show entirely in Spanish, a first in Super Bowl history.
Latino representation in the NFL continues to grow, considering Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza will likely be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the NFL playoffs kickoff today, 12 of the 14 playoff teams feature Latino players. Moreover, 21 Latinos are on active rosters or practice squads for teams in the playoffs.
Bryce Young makes playoff debut
The NFL also features Latino leadership off the field. Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales and Steelers offensive assistant Mike Sullivan both have Mexican heritage. With Bryce Young, another Mexican American, as his starting quarterback, Canales will open the playoffs at home against the Los Angeles Rams today at 4 p.m. (EST). Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has Honduran roots.
Here’s a look at eight Latino players to watch this postseason:
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers, Mexican Heritage
Bryce Young, the second Latino to win the Heisman Trophy, helped the Carolina Panthers reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. He established himself as the team’s franchise quarterback.
The 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick threw for more than 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. He produced six winning drives and four fourth-quarter comebacks.
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In a 30-27 victory in Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons, Young delivered a franchise-record 448 passing yards and three touchdowns. Supported by a productive rushing attack, Young played a central role in Carolina’s AFC South title run.
Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots, Colombian Heritage
Christian Gonzalez established himself as a shutdown cornerback in his third NFL season, anchoring the Patriots’ secondary.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2025 and a second-team All-Pro in 2024, Gonzalez combined physical coverage with strong instincts. He finished the 2025 regular season with 10 pass breakups, 69 tackles and a 56.6 completion percentage allowed when targeted.
His play helped New England limit opposing passing attacks on the way to the AFC East title.
Nik Bonitto highlights year of Cuban in football
Nik Bonitto, OLB, Denver Broncos, Cuban Heritage
Fernando Mendoza and University of Miami coach Mario Cristobal aren’t the only Cuban Americans chasing a title. In the NFL, Cuban American linebacker Nik Bonitto enters the playoffs carrying elite pass-rushing production.
He had a career-high 14 sacks on 39 pressures along with 46 tackles and 31 solo tackles this season. His breakout 2024 season featured 13.5 sacks, a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.
Bonitto’s consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has helped elevate Denver’s defense into one of the league’s top units. He played a key role in the Broncos’ run to the postseason as the AFC’s top seed.
Steve Avila remember for Mexican duel
Steve Avila, OL, Los Angeles Rams, Mexican Heritage
The wild-card game between Rams and Panthers has a Mexican American flavor. Steve Avila leads the Rams’ interior offensive line, playing a key role in both pass protection and the running game.
The left guard committed no penalties during the season. He allowed only one sack on five quarterback hits. His 76.8 PFF grade ranks ninth among guards. With his experience, Avila helps create running lanes and provides steady protection for quarterback and MVP candidate Matthew Stafford.
Avila’s return from injury in 2025 strengthened the Rams’ offensive line, improving both pass protection and the running game as they headed into the playoffs.
South American kickers
Cairo Santos, K, Chicago Bears, Brazilian Heritage
Veteran kicker Cairo Santos continued to provide clutch scoring for the Bears during their 2025 run to the NFC North title, especially in the second half of the season when he made 14 of 16 field-goal attempts over eight games.
He finished the regular season converting 25 of 30 field goals and all 39 extra points, giving Chicago a reliable presence on special teams. Santos’ accuracy under pressure will be key as the Bears look to score in tightly contested playoff games.
Andres Borregales, K, New England Patriots, Venezuelan Heritage
Rookie kicker Andres Borregales has emerged as a clutch weapon for the Patriots. He connected on 27 of 32 field goal attempts and all 55 extra points. The Venezuelan was 4-for-4 on kicks 50 yards or longer with a career-long of 59 yards. He also set a franchise rookie single-season points record.
Borregales earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 12 after making four field goals, including a 52-yarder, and both extra points in a win over the Bengals. He became the first rookie kicker in team history to claim the award.
His accuracy and leg strength will give New England a reliable scoring option in tight playoff games.
Oldie but goodie
Tony Jefferson, Safety, Los Angeles Chargers, Mexican Heritage
Veteran safety Tony Jefferson brings experience and leadership to the Chargers’ secondary. After coming out of retirement last year, he recorded four interceptions, seven passes defended and 57 tackles in 2025, allowing a 62.3 passer rating when targeted.
Jefferson has appeared in seven career playoff games, providing postseason experience and savvy instincts that make him a key rotational defender and locker room presence.
Julian Love, DB, Seattle Seahawks, Cuban & Mexican Heritage
Julian Love finished his seventh NFL season allowing a 47.4 completion percentage on targets and a 41.6 passer rating with no touchdowns allowed. He missed half of the 2025 season due to injury. Love returned in December to help the Seahawks win their final five regular-season games.
The veteran cornerback will be a key part of Seattle’s defensive backfield as the top-seeded NFC West champions enter the playoffs.
Perla Paredes Hernández
Contributor
Perla Paredes Hernández, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, worked at The Daily Texan for two years, covering women’s golf, men’s tennis, football, soccer, volleyball and beach volleyball. She served as social media coordinator for Texas Student Television’s sports department, where she hosted shows, provided analysis across nearly every Texas sport, and took on off-camera roles such as stage manager and assistant director.
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