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Steve Avila
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Esteban "Steve" Avila (/ɑːvilɑː/ AH-vee-lah; born October 16, 1999) is an American professional football offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Avila was born on October 16, 1999, in Arlington, Texas, and attended South Grand Prairie High School.[1] Avila was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at Texas Christian University.[2] His father is Mexican-American, and his mother is African-American.[3]
College career
[edit]Avila redshirted for the TCU Horned Frogs as a freshman.[4] He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman.[5] Avila started nine games during his redshirt sophomore season with six at center, two at right tackle, and one at guard and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference honors.[6] As a junior, Avila started 11 games at center and was named first team All-Big 12 Conference by the Associated Press and to the second team by the league's coaches.[7] In 2022, Avila started all 15 games at left guard and helped lead the Horned Frogs to a 13-2 record which included Big 12 Conference title, a victory in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and a spot in the CFP National Championship. Avila was named a consensus All-American, an Outland Trophy semifinalist, and all-conference first team for the second straight season as well as honorable mention Big 12 Lineman of the Year.[8]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | Wingspan | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 3+1⁄2 in (1.92 m) |
332 lb (151 kg) |
33 in (0.84 m) |
9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m) |
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
5.21 s | 1.86 s | 2.97 s | 4.74 s | 7.85 s | 29.5 in (0.75 m) |
8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) |
28 reps |
| All values from NFL Combine[9][10] | ||||||||||||
Avila was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (36th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.[11] In his rookie year, Avila started all 17 regular season games and one postseason game at left guard, and was the only Rams player to have played every snap on offense.[12] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[13]
With the addition of guard Jonah Jackson in 2024, Avila moved from left guard to center, which was his natural position in college.[14] Avila suffered a knee injury in the week 1 loss against the Detroit Lions and was placed on injured reserve on September 11, 2024, after it was determined he would require MCL surgery.[15] Avila returned to left guard after he was activated on November 11,[16] and started the team's final nine games of the regular season as well as two games in the postseason.[17] He remained at left guard to begin the 2025 season. Avila suffered an ankle sprain in the Rams' 14-9 season-opening victory over the Houston Texans which sidelined him for two games and he saw limited action in two others before returning to the starting lineup in Week 6 during a 17-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens, where he remained throughout the regular season.[18]
References
[edit]- ^ Brugler, Dane. "The Beast: 2023 NFL Draft Guide" (PDF). The Athletic. p. 132. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ Holland, EJ (March 7, 2017). "South Grand Prairie OL Esteban Avila commits to TCU". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ "El Huddle: Steve Avila Interview!". Omny.fm. April 27, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ Straka, Dean (February 18, 2019). "TCU offensive line outlook for 2019: Are the growing pains over after bumpy 2018?". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ Davison, Drew (November 11, 2020). "TCU's Steve Avila brings humility as team's starting center". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ Craven, Mike (July 15, 2022). "The Lone Star 50: No. 43 Steve Avila anchors new-look TCU offensive line". Dave Campbell's Texas Football. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ Davison, Drew (April 29, 2022). "TCU football has more accountability these days, senior center Steve Avila says". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Steve Avila - Football - TCU Athletics". GoFrogs.com. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
- ^ "Steve Avila Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Steve Avila College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (April 28, 2023). "READ: Rams select TCU G Steve Avila with 36th pick in 2023 NFL Draft". TheRams.com. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ DaSilva, Cameron (January 8, 2024). "Steve Avila was the only Rams player to play every snap this season". Rams Wire. USA TODAY. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "2023 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (March 28, 2024). "Sean McVay confirms Steve Avila will move from left guard to center on Rams' upgraded O-line". NFL.com. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (September 11, 2024). "Rams place WR Puka Nacua, OL Steve Avila and OL Joe Noteboom on Injured Reserve; sign OL Dylan McMahon and OL Geron Christian to active roster and CB Ahkello Witherspoon to practice squad". TheRams.com.
- ^ "LA Rams activate starting offensive linemen Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila from injured reserve". CBS News - Los Angeles. Associated Press. November 11, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
- ^ "Steve Avila 2024 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ "Steve Avila 2025 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
External links
[edit]Steve Avila
View on GrokipediaEarly life
High school career
Steve Avila attended South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he played on the offensive line as a tackle and guard during his prep career.[10] Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 308 pounds as a senior, Avila quickly emerged as a physically imposing presence on the line, known for his size and strength that made him a standout in Texas high school football.[11] As a sophomore in 2015, Avila earned District 8-6A Co-Offensive Sophomore MVP honors, highlighting his early impact as a blocker in the trenches.[12] He continued to develop, playing in every game during both his junior and senior seasons, contributing to the Warriors' efforts in a competitive district. In his senior year of 2017, Avila received all-district recognition for his consistent performance protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.[11] Avila's high school prowess extended to statewide acclaim, as he was selected as a first-team Associated Press Class 6A all-state lineman in 2017, underscoring his reputation as one of Texas's top interior linemen.[13] His technical blocking skills, including effective hand placement and leverage against defenders, were evident in key district matchups, helping anchor the offensive front for a team that finished 7-5 overall and third in District 7-6A.[14]Recruitment
Avila was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN, where he earned an 80 scout grade and was ranked as the No. 17 offensive guard in the class of 2018, the No. 44 player in Texas, and the No. 57 recruit in the Midlands region.[15] He received a three-star rating from 247Sports with an 83 composite score, placing him as the No. 44 offensive guard nationally.[10] As a junior at South Grand Prairie High School, Avila verbally committed to TCU on March 7, 2017, becoming one of the Horned Frogs' earliest pledges for the 2018 class.[16] He held scholarship offers from several Power Five programs, including Kansas State and Utah, but selected TCU after beating out multiple other suitors early in the process.[17] A key factor in his decision was the proximity to home, as TCU is located in nearby Fort Worth, allowing him to stay close to his family in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.[18] Avila never wavered in his commitment and officially signed his National Letter of Intent with TCU on December 20, 2017, during the early signing period.[19]College career
Early years at TCU
Avila redshirted during his true freshman season in 2018 at Texas Christian University, a decision that allowed him to focus on physical development and adaptation to college-level training without depleting his eligibility.[3] As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Avila appeared in 11 games as a backup offensive lineman, gaining valuable experience along the interior line while TCU finished the season with a 5-7 record.[3] His role provided an opportunity to learn the nuances of Big 12 competition and build strength, setting the stage for greater responsibilities in subsequent years. In 2020, amid a COVID-19-shortened schedule where TCU played only nine games, Avila emerged as a starter, appearing and starting all nine contests at multiple positions including six at center, two at right tackle, and one at right guard.[3] For his versatility and contributions to the offensive line, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches.[20] During the season, Avila logged 510 offensive snaps, allowing two sacks and demonstrating solid pass protection fundamentals despite the team's 6-3 finish.[21] Avila solidified his status as a cornerstone of TCU's offensive line in 2021, starting 11 of 12 games primarily at center (with one appearance at right guard) as the Horned Frogs compiled a 5-7 record.[3] His performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and second-team recognition from the conference coaches, reflecting his growth into a reliable anchor who helped TCU rank among the Big 12 leaders in total offense at 397.3 yards per game.[22][23] Over 746 offensive snaps that year, Avila contributed to effective ground game execution, including key pancake blocks in critical short-yardage situations.[21] This progression marked his transition from rotational player to primary starter, enhancing TCU's line stability and earning him widespread recognition as one of the conference's top interior linemen.[22]Later years and accolades
In his senior season of 2022, Steve Avila started all 13 games for TCU at left guard, while demonstrating versatility by taking some snaps at center during the year.[24] He played a team-high 1,044 offensive snaps, anchoring an offensive line that helped the Horned Frogs achieve a 13-2 record and advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship.[25] Avila's performance was marked by strong pass protection, allowing just 8 quarterback hurries, 2 hits, and no sacks across 477 pass-blocking snaps, earning him a 78.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.[21] In the run game, he contributed to TCU's explosive offense, which ranked ninth nationally in scoring (38.8 points per game) and eleventh in yards per play (6.8), while producing multiple pancake blocks that exemplified his physicality at the point of attack.[26] Avila's dominant play earned him Consensus All-American honors in 2022, making him the first offensive lineman from TCU to achieve that distinction since Jason Peters in 2003.[27] He was also named a First-Team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and received First-Team All-Big 12 recognition for the second straight year.[3][28] Nationally, Avila was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, highlighting his impact as a Texas native.[29][25] These accolades underscored his rise as one of college football's premier interior offensive linemen, solidifying his status as a top NFL prospect.[27]Professional career
Draft and contract
Avila was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (36th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.[30] His draft stock was elevated by his consensus All-American honors from his senior season at TCU, where he demonstrated elite run-blocking ability and positional flexibility.[31] Leading into the draft, Avila impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine, measuring 6 feet 3½ inches tall and weighing 332 pounds, with a 5.21-second 40-yard dash time that ranked in the 76th percentile among offensive guards.[32] He did not participate in additional drills at TCU's pro day but relied on his combine performance and college tape, where scouting reports praised his explosive power, quick feet, and versatility to play both guard and center effectively.[6] Analysts noted his ability to anchor against bull rushes and pull in space, positioning him as a plug-and-play starter for teams needing interior line reinforcement.[33] On June 14, 2023, Avila signed his rookie contract with the Rams, a four-year deal valued at $9,252,708, fully guaranteeing the first three years ($7,442,147 total guarantees) and including a $3,729,244 signing bonus—terms that exceeded standard second-round structures by guaranteeing a portion of the final year.[34] This agreement reflected the Rams' confidence in his immediate impact, aligning with their strategy to rebuild the offensive line through the draft.[35] Upon signing, Avila entered a competitive battle for the left guard spot during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, where coaches tested his versatility by rotating him between guard and center positions.[36] Under head coach Sean McVay's zone-blocking scheme, he began adapting to the NFL's speed and complexity, drawing on his TCU experience to grasp protection calls and footwork adjustments, with early feedback highlighting his quick learning curve and physical presence in drills.[37]Los Angeles Rams tenure
Avila began his professional career with the Los Angeles Rams as a starting left guard in the 2023 season, appearing in all 17 games and logging 1,094 snaps, the highest total for any Rams rookie offensive lineman.[5] He allowed just 2 sacks and 32 pressures while anchoring the interior line in a zone-blocking scheme.[38] His performance earned him a selection to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team.[39] Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Rams planned to transition Avila to center in March to leverage his college experience at the position, but this shifted after the team signed veteran Jonah Jackson to a three-year contract to play left guard.[40][41] Avila remained at left guard and started 10 games in 2024 (Week 1 and Weeks 9–17), logging 596 offensive snaps before and after suffering an MCL sprain in his left knee during Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on September 8, which required surgery on September 13.[25][42] He was placed on injured reserve and returned to practice in early November, eventually resuming starts later in the season.[43] In those 10 games, Avila earned a 50.6 pass-blocking grade and 70.6 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), while allowing 19 pressures and 3 sacks.[44] Through the end of 2024, he had amassed 27 career starts and permitted 51 total pressures.[25] In the 2025 season, Avila continued starting at left guard, playing in Week 1 against the Houston Texans before exiting early with an ankle sprain on September 7.[45] The injury sidelined him for Weeks 2 and 3, and he remained limited through Week 4, where he dressed but did not play as the Rams opted for a cautious approach to his recovery; he also played but did not start in Week 5.[46] Listed as week-to-week, Avila began starting again for Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens on October 13 and has started all subsequent games through Week 10.[47] By mid-November 2025, following the team's bye week, he was fully integrated into the lineup, contributing to the Rams' 8–2 start amid the unit's injury challenges; through 10 weeks, Avila has started 7 games with 302 offensive snaps, earning PFF grades of 79.6 overall (5th among guards), 63.2 in pass-blocking, and 80.0 in run-blocking.[48] Through three seasons, Avila has demonstrated versatility by training and preparing at both guard and center, allowing the Rams flexibility in their line configurations.[49]Awards and honors
College awards
During his time at Texas Christian University (TCU), Steve Avila earned several conference and national honors that highlighted his progression as an interior offensive lineman, culminating in recognition as one of the top players in college football. These accolades underscored his technical proficiency in pass protection and run blocking, contributing to TCU's offensive success and his own development into a versatile starter capable of playing center or guard.[3] As a sophomore in 2020, Avila received All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors from the conference coaches, acknowledging his role in starting nine games primarily at right guard during a season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition marked his emergence as a reliable contributor to an offensive line that supported TCU's balanced attack.[20] In 2021, Avila's performance elevated to First-Team All-Big 12 selections by both the Associated Press and the conference coaches, as he started 11 games at center and helped TCU rank third in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (196.3). These honors reflected his leadership and consistency, positioning him as a cornerstone of the Horned Frogs' offensive front.[22][23] Avila's senior season in 2022 represented the pinnacle of his college career, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 honors from the conference coaches. His standout play led to national acclaim, including semifinalist status for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, recognizing outstanding offensive linemen from Texas high schools. Additionally, he was named to the AP Midseason All-America Second Team and ESPN's Midseason All-America First Team.[28][50][5][51] Most notably, Avila was selected as a Consensus All-American by the NCAA, the first such honor for a TCU player since wide receiver Josh Doctson in 2015 and the first for an offensive lineman in program history. This status required appearances on at least three of the five major All-America teams: he earned First-Team honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Walter Camp Football Foundation, and Second-Team from the Associated Press (AP). For interior linemen, consensus selection emphasizes dominance in protecting the quarterback—Avila allowed zero sacks in 2022—and facilitating the run game. These achievements solidified his reputation as an elite prospect entering the NFL Draft.[27][52][53][54][55]Professional awards
In his rookie season of 2023, Steve Avila earned recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in his draft class by being selected to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team at guard.[39] This honor highlighted his immediate contributions to the Los Angeles Rams' offensive line, where he started all 17 games and demonstrated strong pass protection, allowing just two sacks over 1,088 pass-blocking snaps.[56] Avila's selection was part of a group that included four Rams players on the PFWA team, underscoring the team's successful rookie class.[57] Avila received consideration for additional rookie honors in 2023, including discussions around Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades that ranked him highly among first-year guards for overall performance, though he did not make the official PFF All-Rookie Team.[58] His rookie-year efforts, which included starting from Week 1 and anchoring the left guard position, positioned him as a foundational piece for the Rams' line but did not yield further league-wide accolades that season.[59] Following a back injury that limited him to 10 games in 2024, Avila returned to full health for the 2025 season, starting at left guard through the early weeks, but no specific professional awards or internal team recognitions, such as captaincy, have been reported as of November 18, 2025.[60]References
- theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2023/04/28/rams-steve-avila-facts-info-nfl-draft-background/80362587007/