The Green Bay Packers' 2024 NFL Latino Youth Honors nominee, Mariano Talamantez, has been named the male winner of the national award, presented by the NFL and Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). The award winners were announced Thursday night at NFL Honors.
Talamantez is a senior at St. Catherine's High School in Racine, Wis. He is an All-State linebacker, two-time team captain, Metro Classic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and state champion. Talamantez's leadership skills and community involvement reflect his strong character. Academically, he maintains a 3.72 GPA while inspiring his teammates and volunteering to support his community, all while taking pride in his Mexican heritage. Talamantez plans to attend Carthage College next fall and play football there.
All 32 NFL clubs were invited to select a male and female high school senior football player to represent their team for consideration in this year's program, which recognizes outstanding Latino high school tackle and flag football athletes from around the country for their academic and athletic excellence. Of the 59 student-athletes nominated, eight finalists were selected, representing each of the NFL's eight divisions.
The female winner selected was flag football athlete Sophie Guitron from Redondo Beach, Calif., nominated by the Los Angeles Rams.
Talamantez and Guitron will each receive a $25,000 grant award to use toward college, and the six other finalists will receive $5,000 grants. The finalists are also participating in special events during Super Bowl LIX Week in New Orleans. Activities are designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in professional sports, and all eight finalists will attend the Super Bowl. Talamantez will also receive an invitation to HHF's National Youth Awards ceremony later in 2025.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation:
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation – a nonprofit established by the White House in 1987 – inspires, prepares, and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce to meet America's priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. HHF is headquartered in Washington DC and Los Angeles, with satellite workspaces in New York.
