NFL Latino Youth Honors National Winners Announced at NFL Honors in New Orleans

Posted February 13, 2025

The National Football League announced the national winners of the second annual NFL Latino Youth Honors on Feb. 6, presented by P&G: Mariano Talamantez from Racine, Wisconsin, and Sophie Guitron from Redondo Beach, California.

The NFL Latino Youth Honors, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and presenting sponsor Procter & Gamble, recognizes exceptional Latino high school tackle and flag football athletes from around the country for their academic and athletic excellence. The male and female national winners were announced at NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, the league’s primetime awards special recognizing the NFL’s best players, performances and plays from the 2024 season.

“These young athletes embody the very best of football and our community,” said Marissa Solis, NFL Senior Vice President of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. “Their achievements as players, students, and leaders showcase the tremendous potential of Latino youth in the sport of football and beyond. We’re proud to work alongside the HHF and Procter & Gamble to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire future generations.”

Nominated by the Green Bay Packers and representing the NFC North, Talamantez is a senior at St. Catherine’s High School and an All-State Linebacker, two-time team captain and Metro Classic Defensive Player of the Year. His leadership skills and community involvement demonstrate his strong character. Academically, he maintains a 3.72 GPA while inspiring his teammates, volunteering to support his community and embracing his Mexican heritage. Talamantez will continue his academic and athletic career at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he is committed to play football.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected as a national winner for the NFL Latino Youth Honors,” Talamantez said. “It was a blessing to be chosen to represent the Packers. Then my coach told me in front of my whole team that I was selected as a finalist, and it was amazing to share that moment with my teammates. To be named the national winner was something I could only dream of, but now that dream came true. I am grateful for the opportunities that this program has given me and thankful for how it will help me as I continue my education next year.”

Nominated by the Los Angeles Rams and representing the NFC West, Guitron has overcome significant challenges to emerge as a star athlete and leader. After being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and undergoing open-heart surgery at the age of 11, she channeled her recovery into a passion for flag football. Now a league MVP and member of the U.S. National U17 Girls Flag Football Team, Guitron gives back by volunteering as a youth coach. She maintains a 4.22 GPA and takes pride in her Mexican heritage. She will continue her academic and athletic career as a scholarship flag football student-athlete at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“This award recognizes the hard work not only of myself but also of my family and how far we’ve come,” Guitron said. “I believe I couldn’t be in this position without my Mexican resilience and heritage that has helped us drive to achieve our goals and dreams and taught us to keep working hard and persevere. Also to be receiving this honor as the national winner is special to me because of the medical issues I’ve had and the roadblock they presented. I hope that I can be an example for little girls and boys that they can do anything they set their mind to, even if they have medical issues or other setbacks, they can overcome them and achieve their goals.”

Talamantez and Guitron were selected from eight finalists representing the NFL’s eight divisions. Thanks to Procter & Gamble’s commitment, all eight finalists will be awarded a grant that can be used toward college, with Talamantez and Guitron each receiving $25,000 and the remaining six finalists each receiving $5,000. In addition to financial support, all finalists are attending Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans and participating in special mentorship events during Super Bowl Week.

Joining Talamantez and Guitron as division winners were Cecilia Beauchamp of Bronx, New York (AFC East, New York Jets), Lucas Carranza of Charlotte, North Carolina (NFC South, Carolina Panthers), Joel Cordoba of Plainfield, New Jersey (NFC East, New York Giants), Nicole Cruz of Calexico, California (AFC West, Los Angeles Chargers), Paola Cruz-Ramos of Crescent City, Florida (AFC South, Jacksonville Jaguars), and Edson Pacheco of Painesville, Ohio (AFC North, Cleveland Browns). Full bios are available for all eight finalists at nfl.com/LatinoYouthHonors.

“The NFL and HHF are thrilled to announce from the finalists, the two national recipients of the NFL Latino Youth Honors,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “Mariano and Sophie will proudly represent their teams as outstanding student-athlete-leaders making an impact not only on the field, but in the classroom and their communities. They are role models and examples of what is possible with talent, intelligence, opportunity and ganas. Congratulations.”

This initiative underscores the NFL’s commitment to celebrating Hispanic culture and empowering Latino youth. Procter & Gamble, this year’s presenting sponsor, expressed their commitment to fostering opportunities for Latino youth.

“Procter & Gamble is honored to join the NFL and HHF in recognizing the tremendous talent and leadership of these student-athletes,” said Janet Fletcher, Senior Director of Sports Marketing at P&G. “This program underscores the importance of celebrating diversity and investing in the future of our communities.”

NFL clubs were invited to nominate a male and female high school senior football player of Latino/Hispanic heritage who excel in academics (minimum 3.0 GPA), athletic achievement, and community involvement. This year, 59 nominees representing all 32 NFL teams were considered, with many celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month events.

The finalists and winners were selected by a panel based on their leadership, impact, and dedication to excellence.

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