NFL Announces Eight Finalists for 2025 NFL Latino Youth Honors

Finalists will receive college grants and participate in a variety of special events taking place in Bay Area during Super Bowl LX Week

NEW YORK — The National Football League, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and presenting sponsor Procter & Gamble, announced the eight finalists for the third annual NFL Latino Youth Honors, which recognizes outstanding high school seniors of every background from across NFL club markets who not only excel on the field and in the classroom, but also contribute to or engage meaningfully with Latino culture and community.

The NFL and the HHF have highlighted impactful individuals for many years, with this program focused on honoring outstanding youth football players. Eight high school seniors will each receive a grant award that can be used for college, including $25,000 grants for both the male and female national winners and $5,000 grants for each of the six other finalists.

“At the heart of the NFL Latino Youth Honors is our mission to empower and elevate the next generation,” said Marissa Solis, NFL Senior VP/Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. “In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Procter & Gamble, we’re proud to celebrate these remarkable student-athletes whose on-field and off-field achievements, character and love of Latino culture embody the future of our sport.”

All 32 NFL teams were invited to select a male and female high school senior football player to represent their team for consideration in this year’s program. The selection criteria for the NFL Latino Youth Honors program includes:

• Being a high school senior
• A flag or tackle football player
• Based in or near the 32 NFL team markets
• Be in good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0)
• Verifiable football stats (season and career), with designation of tackle or flag

This process led to the nomination of 62 outstanding student-athletes from all 32 NFL clubs. Many were honored during Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations hosted by their nominating teams. From this talented pool, a panel selected eight finalists, each representing one of the eight NFL divisions.

“We’re honored to celebrate young student-athletes who are breaking barriers and redefining what excellence looks like,” said José Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “In partnership with the NFL, the Latino Youth Honors serve as a powerful reminder of how our youth are leading the way on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.”

In addition to receiving a grant award that can be used for college, the eight finalists will also participate in a variety of special events taking place in San Francisco during Super Bowl LX Week. Activities will be designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in the sports industry. During that week, a male and female national winner will be announced, with the recipients receiving an invitation to HHF’s National Youth Awards ceremony later in 2026.

This year’s eight NFL Latino Youth Honors finalists are (click here for full bios):

AFC NORTH: Tatiana Gonzalez, Frederick, MD, nominated by the Baltimore Ravens
Tatiana “Tati” Gonzalez is a proud Latina athlete of Argentine and Nicaraguan descent and a standout middle linebacker/safety for Urbana High School in Frederick, Maryland, where she maintains a 3.76 GPA. Her heritage has instilled in her the values of community, respect and perseverance—principles that guide her both on and off the field. After facing the disappointment of being cut from multiple sports teams, Tati discovered her passion and purpose during Maryland’s inaugural season of high school girls flag football. Through determination and support from her coaches and teammates, she grew into a cornerstone player known for her grit, leadership, and heart. Beyond athletics, Tati strives to be a role model for younger members of the Latino community, showing them that success in academics and sports can coexist with cultural pride. Dedicated to giving back, she volunteers as a camp counselor and youth mentor, inspiring young Latina athletes to pursue their goals with confidence and stay true to their roots.

AFC SOUTH: Edward Jordan IV, Jacksonville, FL, nominated by the Jacksonville Jaguars
Edward “Eddie” Jordan IV is a dedicated student-athlete from Beachside High School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he excels both as the team’s quarterback and as a scholar with a 3.94 GPA. Proud of his Cuban heritage through his mother, who immigrated to the U.S. as a baby, Eddie carries his family’s traditions, values and love for Latino culture into everything he does. His leadership on the field is defined by confidence, focus and integrity—qualities that elevate his teammates and set the tone for success. Off the field, he mentors younger athletes through youth clinics, freshman practices and summer camps, emphasizing discipline, respect and perseverance. Eddie also contributes to Beachside’s turf management program, taking pride in caring for the facilities that support his team and community. Committed to continue his academic and athletic journey, Eddie will play Division I football at Lafayette College, where he aims to keep representing his culture and leadership with pride.

AFC EAST: Jasen Lopez, Hollywood, FL, nominated by the Miami Dolphins
Jasen Lopez is a star multi-sport athlete at Chaminade-Madonna College Prep in Hollywood, Florida, where he excels both on the football field and basketball court while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Proud of his Cuban heritage, Jasen carries his culture with honor, representing both his family and community every time he competes. His great-grandfather’s legacy as a basketball player in Cuba inspires him to pursue excellence and continue the journey his family began when they came to the U.S. in search of a better life. On the field and court, Jasen’s leadership, humility, and sportsmanship have made him a respected teammate and role model. He has earned numerous accolades, including MaxPreps Junior All-American honors and 1st Team All-Broward recognition in both football and basketball. Committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at Florida State University, Jasen aims to honor his heritage and family legacy while competing at the highest level as a wide receiver.

AFC WEST: Oscar Rios, Downey, CA, nominated by the Los Angeles Chargers
Oscar Rios is a talented quarterback at Downey High School in Downey, California, with a 3.0 GPA and a commitment to play football at the University of Arizona. Proud of his Latino heritage, he embraces his Mexican and Panamanian roots, carrying the traditions, language and family values of his household into every aspect of his life. This year, he became one of the first Hispanic quarterbacks to compete in the Elite 11 Finals, highlighting his skill and dedication on the field. Oscar has earned back-to-back 1st Team All-CIF honors, League MVP and League Offensive MVP, totaling 5,187 passing yards, 45 passing touchdowns, 1,502 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns over two years. Off the field, he leads by example, volunteering with local Pop Warner and girls flag football teams while encouraging younger athletes to dream big and believe in themselves. Humble and focused, Oscar uses his platform to inspire the Latino community, proving that dedication, perseverance and pride in one’s roots can lead to success.

NFC NORTH: Alayna Adamez, Cottage Grove, MN, nominated by the Minnesota Vikings
Alayna Adamez is an exceptional student-athlete at Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, maintaining a 3.967 GPA while excelling in four varsity sports: football, softball, hockey and tennis. A proud member of a family with deep roots in St. Paul’s Latin community, Alayna carries her heritage with pride on and off the field. As quarterback, she led her football team to the Final Four in the Minnesota State Tournament, throwing for 1,432 yards and 32 touchdowns in just eight regular season games, earning District 6 Gold Quarterback of the Year honors. Beyond football, she has been a captain in hockey for four years and a key contributor in softball and tennis, showcasing her versatility and dedication. Alayna also demonstrates leadership in the classroom and community as a WEB leader and Miracle League buddy helper. After graduation, she will continue her athletic career, playing Division I softball while continuing to inspire through her skill, work ethic and commitment to excellence.

NFC SOUTH: Will Berry, New Orleans, LA, nominated by the New Orleans Saints
Will Berry is a remarkable student-athlete at Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, maintaining a 4.62 GPA and a perfect 36 on the ACT while excelling as a defensive lineman in football. Proud of his Cuban heritage, Will treasures the stories and history shared by his maternal grandparents, including his grandfather’s service in the Bay of Pigs invasion, and strives to preserve and honor his family’s legacy. On the field, he has been ranked the 3rd EDGE/DL in Louisiana by Louisiana Prep Redzone, serves on the football Leadership Council, and is a multi-sport athlete lettering in wrestling, powerlifting, track & field and baseball. Beyond athletics, Will demonstrates remarkable resilience, having navigated the loss of a loved one by leaning on his faith and committing to excellence in all areas of life. He actively serves his community as a mentor, junior counselor, referee, and leader in school and non-profit initiatives, inspiring others through his humility and service. Will’s combination of athletic talent, academic achievement, leadership and dedication to his heritage exemplifies the qualities of a true role model both on and off the field. Will is committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Princeton University.

NFC EAST: Isabella Jubrey, Windsor, CT, nominated by the New York Giants
Isabella “Isa” Jubrey is a gifted student-athlete at Northwest Catholic High School in Windsor, Connecticut, maintaining a 3.75 GPA while excelling as a quarterback, linebacker and cornerback. Proud of her Dominican heritage, she honors her Latino roots by wearing her middle name, Ciel, on the back of her jersey, symbolizing the values of family, hard work and resilience instilled in her. Isa has led her team to an undefeated four-game regular season, accounting for over 65% of the team’s offense with eight passing and seven rushing touchdowns, earning two-time all-conference recognition and serving as team captain. Passionate about expanding opportunities for girls in flag football, she helped create youth leagues in her community and serves as an official, inspiring over one thousand high school girls across Connecticut to play. Beyond athletics, Isa embodies perseverance and leadership, balancing her academic success with her dedication to sports and community service. Her commitment to her heritage, team, and the next generation of athletes reflects the pride, work ethic, and determination that define her both on and off the field.

NFC WEST: Alissa Escutia, Salinas, CA, nominated by the San Francisco 49ers
Alissa Escutia is a stellar student-athlete at Salinas High School in Salinas, California, maintaining a 3.9 GPA while excelling as a wide receiver and cornerback in flag football. Proud of her Mexican heritage, Alissa honors her culture through community service, mentoring young Latino athletes and participating in local cultural events with her family. She has helped advance diversity in the sport by recruiting over 60 young women to play flag football this year, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. On the field, Alissa recorded 1,783 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, earning First Team Offense honors in the CCS PCAL Gavilan Division while also contributing over 200 rushing yards. Beyond athletics, she leads fundraising efforts at her church, promotes youth fitness through school outreach programs, and embodies integrity, service and leadership in all aspects of her life. Alissa’s dedication, skill, and pride in her heritage make her a true role model for her peers and the broader Salinas community.

For more information on this program, visit http://nfl.com/LatinoYouthHonors.

About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF)
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission. For more information, visit www.hispanicheritage.org and follow the Hispanic Heritage Foundation on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.  Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.

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Media Contact:
Sammi Liang, [email protected]
David Villavicencio for NFL, [email protected]
Nicolás Peña for HHF, [email protected]