Latinos in the 2025 NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs start this Saturday, and Latino players across the league are preparing to make their mark on football’s grandest stage.
This season, a remarkable 15 Latino players are set to participate in the playoffs. Nine of the 14 playoff teams have a Latino player joining the postseason, with the Commanders leading the pack with four Latinos. Additionally, this year’s playoff teams include Latino assistant coaches such as Minnesota’s Brian Flores and Pittsburgh’s Mike Sullivan, as well as a Latino general manager in the Steelers’ GM Omar Khan. These diverse athletes, coaches, and staff represent the growing influence of Latinos in professional football.
These Latinos bring exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and an unshakable passion to their respective teams, embodying the diversity and excellence of today’s NFL. As the playoffs unfold, they will strive to shine under the spotlight and etch their names in football history. Keep a close eye on these athletes as they aim to lead their teams to Super Bowl glory.
Here are five standout Latino players to watch during this postseason:
Isiah Pacheco | Running Back | Kansas City Chiefs | Puerto Rican Heritage. Pacheco, a seventh-round pick, has a knack for making game-changing plays. In his rookie season in 2022, he rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown, helping Kansas City defeat the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. A year later, he contributed 92 all-purpose yards, leading his team to a thrilling overtime victory against the 49ers, securing back-to-back Super Bowl titles in his first two NFL seasons. As a key player in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense entering the 2024 season, Pacheco’s electrifying running style and fearless approach made him an exciting player to watch. However, a fractured fibula in Week 2 limited his playing time to just 83 carries. Despite this setback, Pacheco made a remarkable comeback in late November and played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ final five victories of the regular season, propelling them to the top seed in the AFC.
Nik Bonitto, a Cuban Heritage linebacker, emerged as an elite pass rusher, contributing significantly to the Denver Broncos’ unexpected success in the 2024 season. A former second-round pick in 2022, Bonitto showcased his talent in his third season in the NFL, making a notable impact on the team’s defense. Bonitto, an explosive edge rusher, finished the 2024 season with a career-best 13.5 sacks, ranking third in the league. This remarkable performance helped Denver lead the NFL in sacks as a team. His quick first step and relentless motor make him a formidable opponent for opposing quarterbacks. Expect him to play a pivotal role in Denver’s defensive strategy.
Steve Avila, a Mexican Heritage offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, is a true game-changer. A former All-American at TCU, Avila was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Rams. In his NFL debut last season, he started 17 games at left guard and was even named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Avila was eager to build on his impressive debut season, but unfortunately, his 2024 season took an unexpected turn when he suffered a knee injury during Week 1 of the season against the Lions. Despite this setback, he made a remarkable comeback in Week 9 and played a crucial role in the Rams’ remarkable turnaround. In the second half of the season, the Rams went 6-3 and secured their first NFC West crown since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021. Avila’s strength and technique will be instrumental in protecting the Rams’ quarterback during the playoffs, especially against the formidable Minnesota Vikings’ defense this week.
Tony Jefferson, a veteran safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, has an unexpected path to the postseason. Despite entering the NFL in 2013, Jefferson spent last season as a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ scouting staff. In 2024, Jefferson returned to the field for a 10th season as a player, joining the Chargers for their inaugural season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite the year away from the game, his veteran leadership and extensive playoff experience will be pivotal for the Chargers’ postseason success.
Zane Gonzalez, a seasoned kicker in his sixth NFL season, made a significant impact when kicker Austin Seibert suffered an injury and was placed on injured reserve. Gonzalez stepped up and has been instrumental in the Washington Commanders’ recent success, making five out of seven field goal attempts and all 19 extra points in the six games he has played. The Commanders concluded the regular season with a remarkable four-game winning streak, and Gonzalez played a crucial role in each of those victories. His exceptional accuracy and composure under pressure could be the game-changer for Washington in close playoff games.
