Elijah Higgins Bio
Elijah Higgins is an American professional football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 245 pounds, he wears jersey number 84 and remains an active member of the Cardinals roster. After a four-year college career at Stanford, Higgins entered the NFL in 2023 and now contributes as a pass-catcher and blocker in Arizona.
Born on October 27, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, Higgins has built his professional career through a combination of college production and steady special-teams work. He was originally selected by the Miami Dolphins before quickly moving to the Cardinals, where he has since earned a steady role.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Higgins grew up in Florida and later attended Bowie High School in Austin, Texas, where he developed into one of the more highly regarded tight-end prospects in his recruiting class. During his senior season, he earned a selection to the Under Armour All-America Game, an invitation that reflects his standing among the top high school players in the country.
Rated as a four-star recruit, Higgins chose to play college football at Stanford University, a program long known for producing polished tight ends. His path from Tampa to Austin to the Pac-12 shaped both his football foundation and his professional outlook.
Path to American Football
Higgins committed to Stanford as a top tight-end recruit and quickly earned a role as a true freshman. He played in all 12 games during his first season, working primarily on special teams while learning the Cardinal’s offensive system.
His role expanded over time. During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 schedule, Higgins posted 15 receptions for 176 yards in just five games. By his junior year, he had become one of Stanford’s most reliable targets, leading the team with 45 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns. As a senior, he set a personal best with 59 catches for 704 yards and two touchdowns, cementing his draft stock and his readiness for the NFL.
Elijah Higgins Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Elijah Higgins’ early career at Stanford was marked by steady progression rather than immediate stardom. As a freshman, he contributed almost entirely on special teams, a common path for young tight ends adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football.
From his sophomore season onward, his offensive role grew. He finished his college career with 119 receptions for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns across four seasons, a total that helped establish him as a sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Higgins was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round, 197th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. His time in Miami was brief, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts. The following day, on August 30, 2023, the Arizona Cardinals claimed him off waivers, giving him a path to stick in the league.
In his 2023 rookie season with the Cardinals, Higgins appeared in 11 games and made 2 starts. He recorded 14 receptions on 19 targets for 163 yards and 1 touchdown, while also contributing on special teams.
Higgins entered the 2024 season as the Cardinals’ second-string tight end behind Trey McBride. He caught 2 passes for 12 yards in a Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In Week 2, he scored on an 18-yard reception during a 41–10 win over the Los Angeles Rams. In Week 5, he added a 2-yard touchdown reception in a 24–23 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He finished 2024 with 20 receptions on 24 targets for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns across 17 games, with 6 starts.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
Since joining the Arizona Cardinals in late August 2023, Elijah Higgins has grown from a waiver claim into a reliable depth tight end. His first two seasons with the team have featured consistent special-teams play and a gradually increasing offensive role alongside starter Trey McBride.
During the 2024 season, Higgins also took on occasional fullback duties, as the Cardinals did not carry a true fullback on their roster. Across offense and special teams, he logged 411 offensive snaps and 176 special-teams snaps, lining up at multiple positions including tight end, the backfield, the slot, and out wide.
Through his career with the Cardinals, Higgins has totaled 34 receptions for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a 9.9-yard receiving average. His combination of size, position versatility, and special-teams value has helped him secure a long-term spot on the Arizona roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Elijah Higgins is a versatile tight end whose strengths include positional flexibility, dependable hands, and a willingness to contribute in multiple roles. He has lined up in-line, in the slot, out wide, and at fullback, demonstrating a football IQ that allows him to adapt to varied game plans. His 6-foot-3 frame and 245-pound build make him effective as both a blocker and a pass-catcher, while his special-teams reliability adds further value to the Cardinals.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Higgins’ most memorable early moments came in Week 2 of the 2024 season, when he caught an 18-yard touchdown in a 41–10 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He added another touchdown in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, helping secure a narrow 24–23 win. His selection to the Under Armour All-America Game in high school and his 197th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft stand as key milestones in his football journey.
Elijah Higgins Career Stats
Elijah Higgins has compiled consistent production at the tight end position since entering the NFL. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 28 regular-season games, recording 64 receptions for 636 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns, with a 9.9-yard average per catch.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
Higgins posted 14 receptions for 163 yards and 1 touchdown during his 2023 rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals. He improved his numbers in 2024, finishing with 20 receptions for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns across 17 games.
Through two NFL seasons, Higgins has totaled 34 receptions for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns as a Cardinal, complementing the production of starter Trey McBride.
Elijah Higgins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Elijah Higgins’ family has clear ties to football. His father played one season of college football at the University of South Florida, providing an early connection to the sport that helped shape Higgins’ path toward a professional career.
Personal Life
Born in Tampa, Florida, Higgins moved to Austin, Texas, during his high school years, where he attended Bowie High School and built his reputation as a top recruit. He played college football at Stanford from 2019 through 2022, balancing academics and athletics at one of the nation’s most respected football programs.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Elijah Higgins remains part of the Arizona Cardinals’ tight end room behind starter Trey McBride. His role as a second-string tight end and occasional fullback looks set to continue, giving the Cardinals flexibility in their offensive formations and personnel groupings.
With two seasons of NFL experience and a career total of 34 receptions for 335 yards and 3 touchdowns, Higgins enters 2025 with a clear opportunity to expand his offensive role. His versatility across tight end, slot, and backfield alignments offers the Cardinals a valuable chess piece, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
After a 2024 campaign in which he played 411 offensive snaps and 176 special-teams snaps, Higgins has built a strong foundation with the Cardinals. Continued growth as a pass-catcher and blocker could push him toward a larger offensive role in 2025, building on the steady progress of his first two professional seasons.
