Higgins is one of the club’s tight ends known for his rugged blocking. The former standout at Division II Nebraska-Omaha made the club’s practice squad roster out of training camp in 2011 and subsequently has appeared in four regular season games with one start and posted two catches for one yard. Following his second full offseason in the club’s strength and conditioning program, Higgins will again compete for a roster spot in training camp and a more extensive role in the club’s offense.
NFL CAREER – Higgins is one of the club’s tight ends known for his rugged blocking. The former standout at Division II Nebraska-Omaha made the club’s practice squad roster out of training camp in 2011 and subsequently has appeared in four regular season games with one start and posted two catches for one yard. Following his second full offseason in the club’s strength and conditioning program, Higgins will again compete for a roster spot in training camp and a more extensive role in the club’s offense.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Re-signed (ERFA), 2/14/13; Signed to active roster, 11/27/12; Signed to practice squad, 9/2/12; Waived, 8/31/12; Signed to active roster, 11/23/11; Signed to practice squad, 9/4/11; Waived, 9/3/11; Signed by New Orleans as an undrafted free agent, 7/27/11.
2012 – Appeared in two contests after spending the first 12 weeks of the season on the club’s practice squad…Started and recorded a catch at Atlanta, Nov. 29, after being promoted to the active roster, Nov. 27…Saw action primarily on special teams at Dallas, Dec. 23. 2011 – After spending the first 11 weeks of the regular season on the club’s practice squad, Higgins was promoted to the active roster for the remainder of the season, Nov. 23…Appeared in two regular season games and had a four-yard reception in the finale vs. Carolina, 1/1/12…Appeared in both postseason games and had a 10-yard reception in NFC Divisional Playoff at San Francisco, 1/14/12…In a preseason, where he secured a spot on the practice squad, made two receptions for 35 yards.
COLLEGE – Appeared in 44 games for Nebraska-Omaha and finished with 112 receptions for 1,851 yards (16.5 avg.) with 19 touchdowns…In 11 games as a redshirt senior in 2010, had 39 catches for 600 yards (15.4 avg.) with seven TDs…In 2009, started all 12 contests and was the top pass receiving tight end in Division II as he made 50 receptions for 848 yards (17.0 avg.) with nine TDs…In 2008, posted 20 receptions for 346 yards (17.8 avg.) with two TDs…Earned his first varsity letter in 2007, as he played in ten games and had three catches for 57 yards with one TD…Redshirted in 2006…Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
PERSONAL – Attended Beatrice (Neb.) HS, where he was named an All-State selection as a senior, catching 16 passes for 270 yards…Married (Tara)…He and Tara took part in the “Kickoff to Rebuild” event Super Bowl XLVII week sponsored by Rebuilding Together, helping complete renovations on several homes in Algiers…Born Dec. 7, 1987 in Omaha, Neb.
