The NFL playoffs kick off this Saturday and Latino players across the league are gearing up to leave their mark on football’s biggest stage.

There are 15 Latino players heading into this season’s playoffs, as nine of the 14 playoff teams have a Latino player entering the postseason and the Commanders leading all teams with four Latinos. At the same time, this year’s playoff teams feature Latino assistant coaches like Minnesota’s Brian Flores and Pittsburgh’s Mike Sullivan, as well as a Latino general manager in Steelers’ GM Omar Khan. Representing diverse backgrounds and positions, these athletes, coaches and staff showcase the growing influence of Latinos in professional football.

These Latinos bring exceptional talent, grit, and passion to their respective teams, embodying the diversity and excellence of today’s NFL. As the playoffs unfold, they’ll look to shine under the bright lights and make their mark on football history. Keep an eye on these athletes as they aim to lead their teams to Super Bowl glory.

Here’s a look at five standout Latino players to watch this postseason:

Isiah Pacheco | Running Back | Kansas City Chiefs | Puerto Rican Heritage
From seventh-round pick to two-time Super Bowl champion, Pacheco has a flair for the biggest moments. As a rookie in 2022, the explosive back ran for 76 yards and a touchdown to help Kansas City beat the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. A year later, Pacheco posted 92 all-purpose yards to help his team beat the 49ers in overtime, 25-22, clinching back-to-back Super Bowl titles in his first two NFL seasons.

The electrifying running back was a key part of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense entering the 2024 season, but a fractured fibula in Week 2 limited Pacheco to just 83 carries this year. Pacheco returned to action in late November and played a key role in the Chiefs’ final five victories of the regular season, helping them earn the top seed in the AFC. Pacheco’s aggressive running style and fearless approach make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the postseason.

Nik Bonitto | Linebacker | Denver Broncos | Cuban Heritage
Nik Bonitto’s emergence as an elite pass rusher was vital in making the Broncos one of the surprises of the 2024 season. A former second-round pick in 2022 out of college football powerhouse Oklahoma, Bonitto made his presence felt in his third season in the NFL.

An explosive edge rusher, Bonitto finished the 2024 season with a career-best 13.5 sacks that ranked third in the league and helped Denver lead the NFL with sacks as a team. His quick first step and relentless motor make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Expect him to play a pivotal role in Denver’s defensive efforts.

Steve Avila | Offensive Lineman | Los Angeles Rams | Mexican Heritage
Simply put, Steve Avila is a difference-maker for the Los Angeles Rams. A former All-American at TCU, he was a second-round pick of the Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft. Avila, whose given name is Esteban, started 17 games at left guard in his NFL debut last season and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Avila was looking to build off his stellar debut season but had the start of his 2024 season derailed when he suffered a knee injury midway through his Week1 game vs. the Lions. He returned to action in Week 9 and helped the Rams go 6-3 in the second half of the season and secure their first NFC West crown since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021. Avila’s strength and technique will be vital in holding off elite pass rushers during the playoffs, especially this week against an aggressive Minnesota Vikings’ defense.

Tony Jefferson | Safety | Los Angeles Chargers | Mexican Heritage
Tony Jefferson’s path to this year’s postseason is about as unexpected as it gets. A veteran safety who first entered the NFL in 2013, Jefferson spent last season as a member of the scouting staff for the Baltimore Ravens.

But the year away from the field led to an urge to play again and Jefferson returned for a 10^th season as a player in 2024, joining the Chargers for their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Jefferson has appeared in eight games, making four starts this season, and his veteran leadership and wealth of playoff experience will be crucial for the Chargers’ postseason run.

Zane Gonzalez | Kicker | Washington Commanders | Mexican Heritage
A veteran kicker in his sixth NFL season, Zane Gonzalez joined the Commanders after kicker Austin Seibert suffered an injury that forced him onto injured reserve. Gonzalez stepped up and has made five of seven field goal attempts, as well as all 19 extra points, in the six games he has played.

The Commanders closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak, with Gonzalez doing his part in all four of those victories. Gonzalez’s accuracy and composure in high-pressure situations could be the difference-maker for Washington in close playoff games.

Looking forward to an exciting NFL post season! Feel free to use the information above in any coverage or content you may want to put together. Please reach out if you have any questions or requests regarding the NFL this postseason.