The 2024 NFL season is finally here! And though Latino NFL players are still very much underrepresented in the league, there are still some interesting talents to keep an eye out for as the 2023-2024 season gets underway.
According to a report by the Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport, there were just 12 players in the NFL who identified as Latino in 2021. That number has gone up to 31 in 2024, with 14 Latinos in NFL practice squads, for a total of 45 in 2024. That, however, is still less than 1% of the league. Meanwhile, 19.5% of the US population identifies as Latino.
Things are, however, changing. Even if the change has been slow. To help you support talent from our communities, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 Latino NFL players to watch in the upcoming NFL season.
1
Fred Warner, Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers
Fred Warner, of Mexican and Panamanian heritage, is already a household name, as his 49ers made the Superbowl last year. One of the best linebackers in the game, Warner has been selected to 3 Pro Bowls and at this point is only looking to consolidate his legacy – and win that Superbowl.
2
Chris Olave, Wide Reciever – New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave, of Cuban heritage, has been one of the most exciting young wide receivers in the NFL since he was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. With consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the sky seems to be the limit for Olave.
3
Isiah Pacheco, Running Back – Kansas City Chiefs
Of Puerto Rican heritage, Isiah Pacheco went from seventh-round pick to two-time Super Bowl champion, and he didn’t do it while standing on the sidelines. Instead, he helped on both occasions, and he continues to be a key part of the Kansas City offense going into his third year in the league.
4
Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Lineman – New York Jets
Alijah Vera-Tucker, of Mexican heritage, went from first-round pick to being limited by injuries in his next two seasons. But now fully healthy, the offensive lineman is looking to play a key role for the Jets offense going forward.
5
Christian Gonzalez, Defensive Back – New England Patriots
Of Colombian heritage, Christian Gonzalez played in just four games before injury cut his rookie season short. But he enters 2024 healthy and a player to watch in an improved Pats defense that seeks to get back to the top.
6
Julian Love, Defensive Back – Seattle Seahawks
Julian Love, who has Cuban and Mexican heritage, earned his first Pro Bowl selection a year ago and comes into his sixth NFL season as part of a talented Seahawks secondary looking to make a name for themselves.
7
Cesar Ruiz, Offensive Lineman – New Orleans Saints
Cesar Ruiz, of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, has started every game he played for the last three years and he doesn’t look like he’s stopping anytime soon. Instead, Ruiz will look to be that steady presence once more at the Saints try to get back to the playoffs.
8
Will Hernandez, Offensive Lineman – Arizona Cardinals
Of Mexican heritage, Will Hernandez has quietly become one of the best guards in the league, and going into his seventh season, he is looking forward to helping the Cardinals get back to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
9
Cairo Santos, Kicker – Chicago Bears
Being the first Brazilian born player in NFL history has never been too much for Cairo Santos, who has played for seven different teams over 11 seasons in the NFL. But it’s been a while since Santos has moved around, the 2024 season will be his sixth season with the Bears.
10
Bryce Young, Quarterback – Carolina Panthers
Many might be surprised to learn Bryce Young has Mexican heritage. But the combo of Young and new coach Dave Canales, who also has Mexican heritage, might just be the thing the QB needs to take that step forward in his career.