Elijah Higgins Bio
Elijah Higgins is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 27, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, Higgins established himself as a reliable receiving threat during his college career at Stanford University before entering the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick in 2023. After beginning his professional career with the Miami Dolphins, he joined the Arizona Cardinals roster and has developed into a versatile tight end capable of lining up at multiple positions.
Early Life and Background
Higgins grew up in Florida before moving to Austin, Texas, where he attended Bowie High School. During his senior season, he earned recognition as a selected player in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game, which showcases the top high school football prospects in the country. His exceptional performance throughout his high school career earned him a four-star recruit rating from major recruiting services.
Coming from an athletic family, Higgins had football in his blood. His father played one season of college football at the University of South Florida, providing his son with early exposure to the sport at the collegiate level. This family connection to football helped shape Higgins’ development as an athlete and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at higher levels of competition.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career at Bowie High School in Austin, Texas, Higgins received interest from multiple college programs. He ultimately decided to commit to Stanford University, choosing to play college football for the Stanford Cardinal beginning in 2019. The decision to attend Stanford reflected his academic ambitions alongside his athletic goals, as the university is known for its rigorous academic standards.
During his recruitment process, Higgins was regarded as a four-star prospect, indicating his status among the top high school players in the country. His selection to play in the Under Armour All-America Game during his senior year of high school further solidified his reputation as an elite talent worthy of attention from major college programs.
Elijah Higgins Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Higgins began his college football career at Stanford in 2019, appearing in all 12 games during his freshman season. He primarily contributed on special teams during his first year while developing his skills as a receiving option. The experience gained during this developmental season proved valuable for his progression as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of college football.
His 2020 season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened schedule of only five games. Despite the limited action, Higgins managed to record 15 receptions for 176 yards, demonstrating his reliability as a target when given the opportunity. He continued to refine his craft during practices and maintained his readiness for increased responsibilities.
Higgins experienced a breakthrough junior season in 2021, leading the entire Stanford Cardinal team with 45 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns. This performance established him as the primary receiving threat in the Cardinal offense and showcased his ability to be a focal point of an opposing team’s defensive game plan. His senior season in 2022 saw him build on this success, catching 59 passes for 704 yards and two touchdowns while serving as a team leader.
Miami Dolphins (2023)
Following his distinguished college career at Stanford, Higgins entered the 2023 NFL Draft. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the sixth round with the 197th overall pick, recognizing his potential as a versatile tight end prospect. This selection represented the culmination of years of development and preparation that began in high school in Austin, Texas. Higgins’ journey from Bowie High School to the NFL demonstrated his ability to develop and improve at each level of competition.
His time with the Dolphins proved brief, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts. Despite the unexpected end to his tenure in Miami, Higgins’ professional career was far from over, as he quickly attracted interest from other teams around the league looking to add depth at the tight end position.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
On August 30, 2023, the day after being waived by the Dolphins, Higgins was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. This move provided him with a fresh opportunity to prove himself in the NFL and continue his professional football career. Joining the Cardinals organization marked the beginning of a new chapter in his development as an NFL player.
In his rookie season with the Cardinals during 2023, Higgins appeared in 11 games with 2 starts. He finished the season with 14 receptions on 19 targets for 163 yards and 1 touchdown, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a receiving option when called upon. The experience gained during his first NFL season helped him adapt to the speed and complexity of professional football while building chemistry with his new teammates.
The 2024 season saw Higgins enter the year as the Cardinals’ second-string tight end behind starter Trey McBride. He saw significant playing time throughout the season, appearing in all 17 games and making 6 starts. Higgins played 411 offensive snaps and 176 special teams snaps, showcasing his value as a two-way player capable of contributing in multiple phases of the game. His versatility proved particularly important as he and fellow tight end Tip Reiman occasionally lined up at fullback due to the Cardinals not carrying a traditional fullback on their roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Higgins has developed a reputation as a reliable receiver with soft hands and the ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His experience lining up at multiple positions including tight end, in the backfield, in the slot, and out wide demonstrates his versatility within the Cardinals’ offensive scheme. His rapport with the coaching staff and ability to adapt to various roles has made him a valuable asset in the team’s offensive plans.
Notable Events and Milestones
During the 2024 season, Higgins recorded his most productive statistical performances. In Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, he caught one pass for 18 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals’ commanding 41-10 victory. In Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, he contributed a crucial touchdown reception in a narrow 24-23 win. These moments demonstrated his ability to deliver in important situations and big games.
Elijah Higgins Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Higgins has established himself as a consistent contributor for the Arizona Cardinals. His career totals reflect his reliability as a receiving option and his ability to find the end zone when given opportunities.
NFL Highlights
In his rookie season with the Cardinals during 2023, Higgins recorded 14 receptions for 163 yards and 1 touchdown across 11 games played. His 2024 campaign saw increased involvement in the offense, as he caught 20 passes on 24 targets for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns while appearing in all 17 games with 6 starts. His snap distribution across various positions including 278 as a tight end, 35 in the backfield, 73 in the slot, and 25 out wide demonstrates his positional flexibility.
College Career Statistics
Higgins left Stanford as one of the most productive tight ends in program history. During his four seasons with the Cardinal from 2019 to 2022, he appeared in 47 games and became a reliable receiving threat. His junior season was particularly impressive, as he led the team with 45 receptions for 500 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a senior, he recorded 59 receptions for 704 yards and 2 touchdowns, further cementing his status as a top collegiate tight end prospect.
Elijah Higgins Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Higgins comes from an athletic family with football tradition. His father played one season of college football at the University of South Florida, giving Elijah a family connection to the sport at the collegiate level. This early exposure to football helped shape his understanding of the game and provided him with insights that aided his development as a player.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Higgins moved to Austin, Texas, during his high school years, where he attended Bowie High School. He pursued his college education at Stanford University while playing football, balancing the demands of NCAA athletics with academic responsibilities at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. His ability to excel in both areas demonstrates his dedication and time management skills.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Higgins continues his development with the Arizona Cardinals as a member of their tight end corps. With Trey McBride serving as the primary starter, Higgins provides valuable depth and versatility along with Tip Reiman. His experience from two NFL seasons has prepared him to take on a more significant role within the offense as he enters his third professional year.
The Cardinals’ offensive scheme has utilized Higgins’ positional flexibility, having him line up at tight end, fullback, in the slot, and out wide. This diversity in his role makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses and increases his value to the team. As he continues to build chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray and the rest of the offense, Higgins is positioned to increase his statistical contributions during the 2025 campaign.
His development trajectory suggests he could emerge as a more prominent part of the Cardinals’ passing game as his career progresses. The experience gained from playing multiple positions gives him a comprehensive understanding of the offense that should help him make pre-snap reads and find soft spots in opposing defenses. Higgins’ combination of youth, experience, and versatility makes him a promising building block for the Cardinals’ future at the tight end position.