Mexico at the NFL: Elijah Arroyo, Cancun to Seahawks
- – The Seattle Seahawks selected Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo with the 50th overall pick in the NFL draft, adding a player with strong ties to Mexican...
- Before becoming a highly-regarded prospect at Frisco High School in Texas, Arroyo's football journey began south of the border.
- “I played a year in southern Florida and then moved to Mexico," Arroyo said.
Seahawks Draft Miami TE Elijah Arroyo; Steelers Add Castro After NFL Draft
Published: April 27, 2025
GREEN BAY, wis. – The Seattle Seahawks selected Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo with the 50th overall pick in the NFL draft, adding a player with strong ties to Mexican football. Arroyo, who overcame injury setbacks in college, was the fourth tight end chosen in the draft, following Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Mason Taylor.
Arroyo’s Journey: From Cancun to the NFL
Before becoming a highly-regarded prospect at Frisco High School in Texas, Arroyo’s football journey began south of the border.
“I played a year in southern Florida and then moved to Mexico,” Arroyo said. “There I played six years.I think football in Mexico grew a lot during my years there. First I learned to play in Spanish, what was great.” Arroyo’s family moved to Cancun when he was 6 years old, sparking his passion for the sport.
After six years in the Riviera Maya, Arroyo returned to Texas. “I came back and realized how similar things were,” he stated. “It is indeed still the same sport. When moving from Mexico to Texas,the boys were a bit larger… I was used to being the greatest in Mexico. In large part, it is indeed still similar.”
A cross ligament tear limited Arroyo to just 11 games between 2022 and 2023 during his time at Miami. However, he rebounded in 2024, developing a strong connection with quarterback Cam Ward, a projected top pick.In his final season, Arroyo recorded 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Arroyo as the No. 58 prospect in the draft and the third-best tight end.Known for his football IQ and reliable hands, he is considered a vertical threat. Arroyo also excelled in the combine’s lifting exercises, showcasing his strength.
Sebastián Castro Signs with steelers as Undrafted Free Agent
while not drafted, Iowa safety Sebastián Castro, who also has Mexican heritage, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent.
Castro was raised in Oak Hill,Illinois,by his mother,ruby González,and his grandparents,who hailed from Jalisco and Zacatecas. “I grew up with them on the outskirts of Chicago,” Castro said. “And I grew up in a traditional Mexican home and culture.”
During his final season at Iowa, Castro tallied three interceptions, forced a fumble, and recorded a sack. He will now compete for a roster spot with the Steelers.
Seahawks Draft Miami TE Elijah Arroyo; Steelers Add Castro After NFL draft
Key Takeaways from the NFL Draft
- Elijah Arroyo, a tight end from Miami with Mexican roots, was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 50th overall pick.
- Sebastián Castro,a safety with Mexican heritage,signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.
Who is Elijah Arroyo?
Elijah Arroyo is a tight end drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and overcame injury setbacks during his college career. he has strong ties to Mexican football,having played in Cancun for six years.
What is Elijah Arroyo’s background in Mexican Football?
Arroyo’s football journey began in Cancun, Mexico, where he lived and played for six years. He noted that he “learned to play in Spanish”. This experience significantly influenced his growth as a player.
How did Elijah Arroyo perform in his final season at Miami?
In his final season at Miami (2024), arroyo recorded:
- 35 receptions
- 590 receiving yards
- 7 touchdowns
What are Elijah Arroyo’s strengths?
Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Arroyo as the No. 58 prospect in the draft and the third-best tight end. He’s known for:
- football IQ
- Reliable hands
- Being a vertical threat
- Excelling in combine lifting exercises
Where was Sebastián Castro raised?
Sebastián Castro was raised in Oak Hill, illinois, with his mother and grandparents. He grew up in a traditional Mexican household.
What were Sebastián Castro’s stats in his final season at Iowa?
- 3 Interceptions
- 1 Forced Fumble
- 1 Sack
Key Player Comparison Table
| Player | Position | Team | Draft Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah Arroyo | Tight End | Seattle Seahawks | Drafted (50th overall) | Played football in Cancun, Mexico |
| Sebastián Castro | Safety | Pittsburgh Steelers | Undrafted Free Agent | Mexican heritage, played for Iowa |