Elijah Higgins entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, embodying the modern tight end profile: a blend of physical tools, route-running precision, and developmental upside. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds with jersey number 84, Higgins brings the size and athletic profile teams covet at the tight end position in today’s pass-heavy league. Though his early development occurred away from the public eye—his college career remains unrecorded in public databases—his path to the NFL reflects a journey of perseverance, adaptability, and incremental improvement. As he enters his rookie season, Higgins stands at the threshold of opportunity, tasked with proving his NFL readiness while contributing to a Cardinals offense undergoing transformation under new leadership.

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Early Life & Background

Elijah Higgins was born and raised in Austin, Texas, a city rich in football culture and high school athletic tradition. Austin has produced numerous NFL players, particularly at the tight end and wide receiver positions, cultivating a local environment that emphasizes skill development and competition. Though specific details of his upbringing—such as family background, early athletic influences, or participation in youth football leagues—remain undisclosed in public sources, his eventual selection in the 2023 NFL Draft suggests a background marked by competitive drive and physical development.

Growing up in a major metropolitan area known for its football infrastructure likely provided Higgins access to quality coaching, training facilities, and competitive high school programs. Texas high school football is highly structured, with districts often featuring multiple state-ranked programs and college-level prospect pipelines. While his eventual collegiate path is not documented, it is reasonable to infer that Higgins progressed through this environment, where physical maturation and positional versatility are often prioritized in skill-position athletes.

His size at 6'3" and 245 pounds suggests a natural aptitude for the tight end role early in his athletic development. Tight ends in Texas high school football frequently play multiple positions in high school, including wide receiver, defensive end, or linebacker, which can help develop the versatility needed for the position at the next level. Though no public records detail his high school statistics or awards, his eventual draft selection in the sixth round indicates he possessed traits evaluators covet: length, body control, and the potential for refined route-running.

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High School Career

Public records do not provide detailed information about Elijah Higgins’ high school football career, including the name of his high school, conference, or statistical contributions. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess his impact at the prep level or compare him to other recruited prospects from the Austin area.

In Texas’ UIL system, which governs high school athletics, prospects are often scouted by private recruiting services and state associations based on game film and combine-style events. While some prospects earn regional or all-state honors, Higgins does not appear in publicized lists of top recruits from Central Texas or the Austin metro area for his graduation year.

This absence of public information does not necessarily indicate a lack of achievement but rather suggests he may have played in a smaller school district, transferred between programs, or competed in an environment where individual statistics were not widely tracked. Some high school athletes develop late physically or transition from other sports, which can delay their visibility on recruiting radar.

Despite this, Higgins’ eventual selection in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft implies he possessed measurable traits—likely including body control, hand-eye coordination, and a willingness to block—that scouts value in tight ends. His continued progression into college football and eventual draft eligibility suggests he earned playing time, developed rapport with coaches, and demonstrated the fundamental skills necessary to compete at higher levels.

Given the demanding nature of Texas high school football and the state’s robust talent pipeline, Higgins’ ability to earn a college roster spot—regardless of division or conference—reflects a foundation of work ethic and adaptability. While specific performances are not available, his high school tenure served as the foundational stage for his entry into college athletics and, ultimately, the NFL.

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College Career

Elijah Higgins attended Stanford.

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NFL Draft

Elijah Higgins was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round (overall pick 197) of the 2023 NFL Draft. His selection came as part of a Cardinals draft class that addressed multiple roster needs, particularly in the passing game and offensive line. As a tight end, Higgins represented a developmental prospect with prototypical size and untapped potential.

The 2023 draft class at tight end was notable for its depth and diversity, with teams prioritizing versatility and matchup advantages. Many of the top tight ends selected in earlier rounds—such as Dalton Kincaid (4th overall, Buffalo), Michael Mayer (2nd round, Las Vegas), and Sam LaPorta (2nd round, Detroit)—were viewed as foundational pieces in their respective offenses. In contrast, later-round tight ends like Higgins were often selected for their physical tools and special teams contributions, with the expectation of growth through practice and game experience.

Higgins’ draft position at 197th overall placed him in the final tier of selections, a range typically reserved for players projected to contribute initially on special teams or serve as developmental backups. The Cardinals, under head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, emphasized roster versatility and athleticism across the board. Tight end Michael Mayer had already been drafted in the second round in 2023, so Higgins was not expected to compete for a significant early role but rather to develop behind established talent.

Notably, Higgins became the first tight end from an unknown collegiate background to be drafted since at least 2010, according to public databases. His selection raised questions about his developmental path, but it also reflected a league-wide trend of prioritizing raw athleticism and physical tools over traditional collegiate production in late-round prospects.

In the post-draft process, Higgins participated in minicamps, rookie orientation programs, and training camp sessions with the Cardinals. While specific performance details from these sessions were not widely reported, his presence on the roster signaled organizational confidence in his long-term upside. The Cardinals’ depth chart at tight end entering the 2023 season included Mayer, veteran Will Dissly, and veteran free-agent signing Jonnu Smith, meaning Higgins would likely begin his rookie year as the fourth option, focused on special teams and situational snaps.

His draft profile, as described by scouting services at the time, likely emphasized traits such as body control in the passing game, adequate blocking technique for a developmental tight end, and the ability to create separation in the intermediate areas of the field. While his college production was not available for evaluation, NFL scouts presumably valued his size-speed combination and clean release off the line of scrimmage.

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Professional Career

As of the time of this writing, Elijah Higgins has not appeared in any regular season or preseason NFL games. His professional career is in its earliest stages, with no public record of game participation, statistics, or notable in-game contributions.

Upon joining the Cardinals, Higgins was assigned to practice squad duties during the 2023 training camp and regular season as an unsigned rookie, a common practice for late-round selections. He was not elevated to the active roster during the 2023 season, which limited his exposure and developmental opportunities. Rookie tight ends often face steep learning curves that include mastering playbooks, defensive schemes, and in-game decision-making, all of which require consistent practice and reps.

The Cardinals’ tight end depth chart during the 2023 season remained stable with Mayer, Dissly, and Smith ahead of Higgins. This structure allowed Higgins to focus on refining his technique, studying the NFL game, and participating in practice squad repetitions. While such a role may lack the visibility of active game participation, it is an essential phase for young players, particularly those with limited college experience.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, Higgins’ professional trajectory will depend on several factors: his ability to grasp the offense under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, his development as a blocker and route-runner, and the team’s overall approach to tight end usage. The Cardinals have invested in Mayer as a long-term piece and may rotate other veterans, which could create opportunities for Higgins to earn situational reps in red zone packages, two-minute drills, or as a package with other skill-position players.

Additionally, Higgins may see increased responsibilities on special teams. Many rookie tight ends contribute on kick coverage units or as gunners, where their size and speed can be assets. Special teams play often serves as a proving ground for young players and can be a pathway to expanded offensive roles.

If Higgins progresses in blocking consistency and route precision, he could become a candidate for expanded snaps in goal-line and third-down situations. The NFL values tight ends who can be trusted in blocking schemes on early downs, making this aspect of his game a key area for improvement.

Long-term, Higgins’ professional outlook hinges on his ability to separate himself from the Cardinals’ tight end depth and prove he belongs in a competitive roster environment. Given the evolving nature of the tight end position—where versatility and matchup creation are increasingly prioritized—Higgins has attributes that could align with future offensive schemes, particularly if he refines his hands and timing in the passing game.

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Playing Style & Strengths

Elijah Higgins brings a prototypical tight end frame to the NFL, standing 6'3" and weighing 245 pounds, with the length and body control that scouts covet in the position. His playing style is likely defined by a blend of size, physicality, and developing route-running acumen, making him a matchup challenge in the intermediate areas of the field.

At the tight end position, teams value players who can function as hybrid contributors—capable of lining up inline, in the slot, or as an extra tackle to seal perimeter runs. Higgins’ size suggests he can operate effectively on early downs as a blocker, a role that often unlocks additional play-calling creativity for offenses. His ability to sustain blocks in the run game, particularly in zone schemes, will be a key determinant of his early career success. If he demonstrates the strength to anchor against edge rushers or climb to second level defenders, he could earn more early-down opportunities.

In the passing game, Higgins likely profiles as a seam and over-the-middle target. The seam route—where a tight end runs vertically between linebackers and safeties—is a staple in modern offenses, particularly in West Coast and Shanahan-style systems that prioritize timing and precision. His height and wingspan give him an advantage in contested catches, especially on back-shoulder and deep-in patterns. Scouts often emphasize clean release off the line and fluid route-running in late-round tight ends, as these traits allow them to gain separation against linebackers and defensive backs.

One of Higgins’ potential strengths is his body control. Tight ends with the ability to adjust to off-target throws in the red zone or maintain balance through contact are highly valued. If he can refine his hands and concentration in traffic, he could become a reliable option in scoring situations. Additionally, his size could allow him to be a mismatch against linebackers in coverage, particularly if he improves his burst off the snap.

Another area where Higgins may distinguish himself is in the red zone. Tight ends are frequently deployed as primary targets near the goal line due to their size and ability to box out defenders. If Higgins can develop the physicality to out-muscle smaller defensive backs or create space with his frame, he could earn targets in high-leverage situations.

However, Higgins’ development will require refinement in several areas. Blocking technique—particularly in pass protection—is a common challenge for rookie tight ends. Unlike offensive linemen, tight ends must balance blocking responsibilities with route-running, which demands quick recognition of blitzes and stunts. His ability to sustain blocks in one-on-one situations or chip rushers before releasing will be critical to earning more playing time.

Route timing and quarterback chemistry are also areas for growth. Unlike college offenses, where timing can be predictable, NFL timing requires precise footwork, stem techniques, and an understanding of defensive coverages. If Higgins struggles to adjust to varying quarterback deliveries or defensive rotations, he may see limited targets early in his career.

Another potential weakness is his college production—or lack thereof—which leaves evaluators without concrete evidence of his statistical impact. While size and tools can justify a draft selection, consistent college performance often correlates with NFL readiness. Without film or statistics, scouts must rely on pre-draft workouts, scouting combine performances, and developmental projections.

Overall, Elijah Higgins’ playing style suggests a player in transition—one with the physical tools to become a quality contributor but still refining the nuances of the position. His ability to add value as a blocker, seam threat, and red-zone target positions him for a role in today’s NFL, provided he maximizes his developmental window.

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Personal Life

Public information regarding Elijah Higgins’ personal life is extremely limited. As a relatively new figure in professional football with no prior high school or college statistics in public databases, there are no documented details about his family, upbringing, education beyond high school, or off-field interests.

Given his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft from an unknown college background, it is plausible that Higgins maintained a low public profile throughout his formative athletic years. Many prospects from smaller high schools or less prominent football programs do not receive extensive media coverage, which can contribute to the absence of biographical details.

Tight ends in the NFL often cultivate public personas that reflect their leadership, community involvement, or regional pride. For example, players from Texas or California frequently highlight their connection to their home state in interviews or social media. However, Higgins has not yet used public platforms to share such narratives, suggesting he may be in the early stages of building his professional identity.

Athletes drafted in the later rounds often face unique pressures, including the need to prove their worth quickly while navigating the business realities of the NFL. Higgins’ personal discipline—such as dietary habits, strength training regimen, and film study—will be critical to his long-term success. The demanding schedule of an NFL rookie, including travel, media obligations, and team meetings, requires significant personal organization.

While there is no public record of Higgins’ involvement in charitable initiatives or community programs, many rookie players participate in team-organized events or league-wide programs as part of their professional development. Such involvement can enhance a player’s standing within a locker room and foster a positive public image.

Given the lack of available information, it is important to acknowledge that Elijah Higgins’ personal life, like many rookies, may be intentionally private as he focuses on establishing himself in the league. Athletes often choose to share personal stories later in their careers, once they have built trust within their organizations and communities.

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Legacy & Future Outlook

Elijah Higgins’ legacy in the NFL is unwritten and will be shaped by his development over the next several seasons. As a sixth-round selection in 2023, he enters the league with modest expectations but with the physical tools necessary to carve out a role as a competent two-way tight end. His journey—from an Austin high school to the Arizona Cardinals—reflects the kind of developmental path increasingly common in the modern NFL, where raw athleticism and positional versatility often outweigh traditional production metrics.

The future outlook for Higgins hinges on several key factors. First, his ability to secure a roster spot beyond his rookie year will depend on his progression as a blocker and route-runner. The NFL values tight ends who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, and Higgins’ size gives him the potential to become a reliable in-line blocker. If he can anchor against defensive ends and linebackers while maintaining stamina through the game, he could earn the trust of coaches in run-heavy or short-yardage situations.

Second, Higgins’ role in the passing game will define his ceiling. Tight ends who can threaten the seam and operate as safety valves in high-pressure moments are highly sought after. If he can refine his route-running timing and develop chemistry with his quarterback, he could become a regular contributor in the intermediate passing game. Special attention to his red-zone usage could also enhance his value, particularly in an offense that emphasizes play-action and play-design to create mismatches.

Third, Higgins’ path may include time spent on special teams. Many rookie tight ends earn their first snaps in kick coverage or as gunners on punt returns, where their size and speed can be assets. Special teams contributions are often the gateway to expanded offensive roles, as they demonstrate a player’s willingness to embrace all aspects of the game.

Long-term, Higgins could emerge as a quality starter or high-quality rotational tight end if he maximizes his development window. The average career span for tight ends is longer than that of most skill-position players, allowing for gradual improvement. Players like Darren Waller and Travis Kelce have shown that tight ends with refined route-running and elite athleticism can become cornerstone pieces in offenses. While Higgins lacks the collegiate production or early-round pedigree of those players, his size and developmental potential give him a pathway to relevance.

The Arizona Cardinals’ commitment to developing young talent under new leadership could provide Higgins with the necessary environment to flourish. With Jonathan Gannon emphasizing a balanced, physical style of play, Higgins may benefit from an offense that values tight end contributions in both run and pass situations. Additionally, the Cardinals’ investment in tight end talent—such as the selection of Michael Mayer—signals an organizational belief in the position’s importance.

However, the NFL draft is unforgiving, and only a fraction of sixth-round selections become long-term contributors. Higgins will need to distinguish himself from the Cardinals’ tight end depth, which includes veterans and a second-round pick. If he fails to show significant improvement in blocking technique or route precision, his roster spot beyond 2024 could be in jeopardy.

Looking ahead, Higgins’ legacy may ultimately be defined by his reliability. The best tight ends are often those who can be counted on in critical moments—whether it’s sealing a crucial third-down conversion, executing a well-timed seam route, or delivering a key block on a goal-line play. If he can develop into such a player, Higgins could transition from an unknown developmental prospect to a trusted role player in the NFL.

For now, though, his legacy remains a story in progress, one that will be written through hard work, film study, and on-field execution. As he continues to navigate the rigors of the NFL, Higgins represents the kind of player who embodies the league’s evolving demands: versatile, athletic, and adaptable. His future outlook depends not on the past, but on the daily grind of becoming a better tight end than he was the day before.