AN ARENA LEAGUE kicker who weighs 270lbs is a former college star who has hopes of a career in the NFL.
Manny Higuera first caught attention in 2021 when he scored a 46-yard field goal to win a first-ever conference championship for his NAIA college side Arizona Christian University.
Weighing 270lbs while standing at just 5ft 5ins saw Higuera become an unlikely hero for his football side.
But he is still doing the business four years later while playing in the Arena League.
Higuera turns out for the Washington Wolfpack and put in a star role in their latest performance.
The ace whacked in a brilliant dropkick punt for his side against the Albany Firebirds, delighting fans both past and present.
However, Higuera’s side ended up being thumped 98-12 in a one-sided final scoreline.
Despite the defeat, the star hopes to one day end up playing with the big dogs in the NFL.
Reflecting on his rise up the ranks, Higuera said: “When I first started, the farthest kick I kicked was like 55 yards. I knew I always had the leg strength from soccer.
“On goal kicks, I could hit it three-fourths of the field. If I made good contact, I would put the ball like 10 yards away from the 18-yard box on the other side.
“So I always knew I had the power and leg strength for it. But switching to football was a little difficult. After I got the hang of it, I was just able to kick and put the ball far.”
Former coach Luis Zendejas reckons Higuera can make the step up to NFL.
He said: “Manny is short and stocky but he’s got a lot of power. I’ve done maybe 50 camps and he probably won about 45 of these 50 camps.
“He’s a very consistent kicker, he has what it takes. Weight and all that stuff doesn’t really matter, only people see it because it’s not the norm.”
Fans reacted online to Higuera’s amazing kicking skills.
One said: “I love him.”
Another declared: “Drop kicking ain’t easy.”
One noted: “The kicking fury we need.”
