And Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio.

And Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio.

What's good everyone, and welcome to another edition.

What's good everyone, and welcome to another edition.

Of the l Huddle podcast.

Of the l Huddle podcast.

I'm Will Salva. My prima Romana m J.

I'm Will Salva. My prima Romana m J.

Castro Luiz is doing her draft coverage duties as we speak, so will not be able to join me. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to have a co host. No, I am joined by somebody that kept his quarterback clean at TCU. I'm talking about a consensus, all American. We're talking about one of the best interior offensive line prospects. Please give it up for Esteban Luis Avila.

Castro Luiz is doing her draft coverage duties as we speak, so will not be able to join me. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to have a co host. No, I am joined by somebody that kept his quarterback clean at TCU. I'm talking about a consensus, all American. We're talking about one of the best interior offensive line prospects. Please give it up for Esteban Luis Avila.

How was that? It was? Good?

How was that? It was? Good?

Man?

Man?

I actually appreciate that. You know, when people can say my name right, and I know you speak.

I actually appreciate that. You know, when people can say my name right, and I know you speak.

Spanish, but yeah, yeah, So how many people do get it right?

Spanish, but yeah, yeah, So how many people do get it right?

Oh?

Oh?

Not a lot?

Not a lot?

I kind of That's kind of why I changed my name. Not really my name in English is Steve. But that's why I go by that, you know, because not a lot of people can say it, but not.

I kind of That's kind of why I changed my name. Not really my name in English is Steve. But that's why I go by that, you know, because not a lot of people can say it, but not.

Often do you get it.

Often do you get it.

People get it right, but that's why, you know, I try to make it easier for people.

People get it right, but that's why, you know, I try to make it easier for people.

What did your parents think when you went by Steve that freshman year in high school from your football coach.

What did your parents think when you went by Steve that freshman year in high school from your football coach.

Yeah, it didn't really like pick up until I got to college because it was like when you look up the roster, like that's what would come on.

Yeah, it didn't really like pick up until I got to college because it was like when you look up the roster, like that's what would come on.

And my mom, my mom really was the one that got upset. Yeah.

And my mom, my mom really was the one that got upset. Yeah.

Yeah, she she was like, why do you go like that, that's not your name. It's yeah, back and forth, but you know, it's just it's just.

Yeah, she she was like, why do you go like that, that's not your name. It's yeah, back and forth, but you know, it's just it's just.

What it is.

What it is.

How long was she on your case for?

How long was she on your case for?

She's always been on my case. Yeah, it's it's never ending. I mean even now she will probably see this. She's like, yeah, that's right.

She's always been on my case. Yeah, it's it's never ending. I mean even now she will probably see this. She's like, yeah, that's right.

So yeah, okay, okay, trying to make your mom proud of you. I know about that guilt because my mom knows how to lay it down thick for me.

So yeah, okay, okay, trying to make your mom proud of you. I know about that guilt because my mom knows how to lay it down thick for me.

For you.

For you.

In your background, tell us tell us about your familial background, because you've got Mexican roots.

In your background, tell us tell us about your familial background, because you've got Mexican roots.

Yeah, I do so my mother. I'll started with my mother. My mother is African American. She's from Memphis, Tennessee. It's funny because when she was in high school, she taught herself Spanish. And my father is from Mexico. Forgive me not sure what part, but he is from Mexico. They settled down in South Texas by Laredo, small town called Hebronville, and that's where my grandparents are at right now. But my dad lives in Dallas. But yeah, my dad speaks Spanish and I didn't get a lick of it, you know, growing up.

Yeah, I do so my mother. I'll started with my mother. My mother is African American. She's from Memphis, Tennessee. It's funny because when she was in high school, she taught herself Spanish. And my father is from Mexico. Forgive me not sure what part, but he is from Mexico. They settled down in South Texas by Laredo, small town called Hebronville, and that's where my grandparents are at right now. But my dad lives in Dallas. But yeah, my dad speaks Spanish and I didn't get a lick of it, you know, growing up.

But well, what sorts of things did you or dead in part on you? Was it something where he was watching novellas? Was he speaking at Spanish? Other people?

But well, what sorts of things did you or dead in part on you? Was it something where he was watching novellas? Was he speaking at Spanish? Other people?

Like?

Like?

What were what were some of those things?

What were what were some of those things?

Even food where you felt like, Okay, now now I'm connecting to to part of my heritage.

Even food where you felt like, Okay, now now I'm connecting to to part of my heritage.

Yeah, so I mean we go down to heaven Ville, you know a lot. My grandparents actually have a restaurant down in Heavenville called Opulo's Barbecue, which is pretty fun nice.

Yeah, so I mean we go down to heaven Ville, you know a lot. My grandparents actually have a restaurant down in Heavenville called Opulo's Barbecue, which is pretty fun nice.

Yeah, it's a barbecue place.

Yeah, it's a barbecue place.

It's it's sort of like has a little Mexicanish, you know, taste too. You know, they serve a lot of their stuff with people the Guayo. But but it's really good. But you know, I remember growing up, you know, always hearing you know, Hispanic music playing. There's a lot of Hispanic music that I like that I don't have I have no idea what they're saying, but you know.

It's it's sort of like has a little Mexicanish, you know, taste too. You know, they serve a lot of their stuff with people the Guayo. But but it's really good. But you know, I remember growing up, you know, always hearing you know, Hispanic music playing. There's a lot of Hispanic music that I like that I don't have I have no idea what they're saying, but you know.

It's always But yeah, are you a fan of Bad Bunny?

It's always But yeah, are you a fan of Bad Bunny?

Are you.

Are you.

More of like oldersh like Prince Royce's old stuff. I don't listen to it too much, but like when I do listen to it, that's some of the stuff that I listened to.

More of like oldersh like Prince Royce's old stuff. I don't listen to it too much, but like when I do listen to it, that's some of the stuff that I listened to.

But yeah, and then your your dad was also kind of like your your barber as well, right where to the point where where he he almost well he didn't almost. He did make you say, all right, that's the last time I want to get.

But yeah, and then your your dad was also kind of like your your barber as well, right where to the point where where he he almost well he didn't almost. He did make you say, all right, that's the last time I want to get.

Haircuts from him.

Haircuts from him.

Man.

Man.

Yeah, man, I don't know what it is about Hispanic fathers and thinking they know how to cut hair. But my dad, I don't. I don't even know where that like, I'm looking back and I don't know why he thought he could cut hair. But he used to cut her hair all the time. And I remember my mom always getting mad at him because I didn't know my hair was like this until like I was in like middle school, because my dad would always cut it short. And yeah, when I say short, I'm talking like balld like it was. There's a picture out there someone will find that I was very much.

Yeah, man, I don't know what it is about Hispanic fathers and thinking they know how to cut hair. But my dad, I don't. I don't even know where that like, I'm looking back and I don't know why he thought he could cut hair. But he used to cut her hair all the time. And I remember my mom always getting mad at him because I didn't know my hair was like this until like I was in like middle school, because my dad would always cut it short. And yeah, when I say short, I'm talking like balld like it was. There's a picture out there someone will find that I was very much.

But yeah, well you mentioned the restaurant as well, and food is a big part of the culture, right, So what was your go to plate that if you and your dad were hanging out you guys were eating, Like what were some of those dishes that you said. You mentioned the picko of the gayo, but like burritos were into the text mechs like to talk to me, talk me through that.

But yeah, well you mentioned the restaurant as well, and food is a big part of the culture, right, So what was your go to plate that if you and your dad were hanging out you guys were eating, Like what were some of those dishes that you said. You mentioned the picko of the gayo, but like burritos were into the text mechs like to talk to me, talk me through that.

Oh really everything.

Oh really everything.

I mean, my family's like restaurant serves barbecue, but they also like outside of that, they make a lot of different things. But one thing that I always love, and my grandma will attest to this, like the pickle of the guy that they make. Every time I go back, She's like, I have another thing of people that got already for you. But I don't know what it is about the way she makes. It's just really good. But you know the way that they make, like gotten that sada is good. But a lot of the stuff they're their big deal.

I mean, my family's like restaurant serves barbecue, but they also like outside of that, they make a lot of different things. But one thing that I always love, and my grandma will attest to this, like the pickle of the guy that they make. Every time I go back, She's like, I have another thing of people that got already for you. But I don't know what it is about the way she makes. It's just really good. But you know the way that they make, like gotten that sada is good. But a lot of the stuff they're their big deal.

Is like brisket. The brisket that they make it is just amazing.

Is like brisket. The brisket that they make it is just amazing.

I remember I brought it down to Fort Worth, some of their food down to Fort Worth and it was like gone.

I remember I brought it down to Fort Worth, some of their food down to Fort Worth and it was like gone.

I brought it around my friends and it was gone.

I brought it around my friends and it was gone.

So well, barbecue is huge down there in Texas. How does it compare with other spots within the state.

So well, barbecue is huge down there in Texas. How does it compare with other spots within the state.

Yeah, I don't. I mean, and I'm trying not to be biased, but I think.

Yeah, I don't. I mean, and I'm trying not to be biased, but I think.

That's a be bias. It's okay be biased.

That's a be bias. It's okay be biased.

Because I want to, you know, if I'm fortunate enough, i'd love to you know, hopefully bring you know, I was barbecue you know, into the Metroplex of d FW. But I don't know, I think it's just different. It's different type of barbecue and I love it. And it's funny because I took some trips up to the north and they don't have like anything, you know, barbecue esque.

Because I want to, you know, if I'm fortunate enough, i'd love to you know, hopefully bring you know, I was barbecue you know, into the Metroplex of d FW. But I don't know, I think it's just different. It's different type of barbecue and I love it. And it's funny because I took some trips up to the north and they don't have like anything, you know, barbecue esque.

So yeah. Wow.

So yeah. Wow.

So you're thinking that maybe you're going to expand it and and be.

So you're thinking that maybe you're going to expand it and and be.

Out of the business, or I want I want I want to expand it, and you know, I've had talks with my grandfather about it, you know, so we just got to see you know, maybe later down the line in a couple of years, but for now, you know, I kind of want to cement myself, you know, and to transitioning into the league. But that's definitely like a big, big, you know thought that I.

Out of the business, or I want I want I want to expand it, and you know, I've had talks with my grandfather about it, you know, so we just got to see you know, maybe later down the line in a couple of years, but for now, you know, I kind of want to cement myself, you know, and to transitioning into the league. But that's definitely like a big, big, you know thought that I.

Have think about this though. You're talking about like expanding the restaurant and being a restaurant co owner owner. That's probably something you really didn't think about like five years ago.

Have think about this though. You're talking about like expanding the restaurant and being a restaurant co owner owner. That's probably something you really didn't think about like five years ago.

When you were going on this journey that you're on now.

When you were going on this journey that you're on now.

Yeah, for sure.

Yeah, for sure.

I mean like there's a lot even about through this whole process, Like I can't I can't even fat, I couldn't have fathom you know, even being you know, in the spot, and I just I'm just so blessed, you know, to be able to even be here talking to you like this time last year, you know, in my head, because I'm always hard on myself and I said unbelievable high expectations for myself, and I would always think like, okay, Like last year, I used to be like, oh okay, I may get drafted, like I don't know, but like it's as closer we've gotten, you know, to it. You know, it's the vision has to become clear. But yeah, five years ago, man, it just it wasn't a thought at all.

I mean like there's a lot even about through this whole process, Like I can't I can't even fat, I couldn't have fathom you know, even being you know, in the spot, and I just I'm just so blessed, you know, to be able to even be here talking to you like this time last year, you know, in my head, because I'm always hard on myself and I said unbelievable high expectations for myself, and I would always think like, okay, Like last year, I used to be like, oh okay, I may get drafted, like I don't know, but like it's as closer we've gotten, you know, to it. You know, it's the vision has to become clear. But yeah, five years ago, man, it just it wasn't a thought at all.

Yeah, what have you learned throughout this entire process?

Yeah, what have you learned throughout this entire process?

Mm hm oh man, It's.

Mm hm oh man, It's.

Just different, you know, from being a college student to transitioning to you know, being in the NFL. One thing that I definitely noted is just I'm not a part of a team right now. You know, everybody is their own person, that it's on a team, and just transitioning from knowing that and knowing that you're your own business.

Just different, you know, from being a college student to transitioning to you know, being in the NFL. One thing that I definitely noted is just I'm not a part of a team right now. You know, everybody is their own person, that it's on a team, and just transitioning from knowing that and knowing that you're your own business.

That's essentially what it is.

That's essentially what it is.

That that's been the biggest, you know thing for me, and I've gotten better at it and you.

That that's been the biggest, you know thing for me, and I've gotten better at it and you.

Know, I'll definitely learn learn a lot more things. You know on this journey.

Know, I'll definitely learn learn a lot more things. You know on this journey.

Yeah, well you've you've journey across this great land of ours. Are there places that you had not been to that you always wanted to go to and you're like, wow, this is cool. I know that you were with us on Good Morning Football in New York that was your first time there. Were there are other spots like New York where you're like, wow, this is pretty cool.

Yeah, well you've you've journey across this great land of ours. Are there places that you had not been to that you always wanted to go to and you're like, wow, this is cool. I know that you were with us on Good Morning Football in New York that was your first time there. Were there are other spots like New York where you're like, wow, this is pretty cool.

I can actually see myself here.

I can actually see myself here.

Yeah, being in New York was awesome.

Yeah, being in New York was awesome.

I mean it's just like there's a bunch of different things there and just the different cultures even you know, I didn't really get to see everything, but you know, I stayed in like Lower Manhattan, which is like the financial district, but.

I mean it's just like there's a bunch of different things there and just the different cultures even you know, I didn't really get to see everything, but you know, I stayed in like Lower Manhattan, which is like the financial district, but.

Just that area was awesome.

Just that area was awesome.

One of my very close friends lives in New Jersey, so I visited New Jersey as well, and it was just so much different, you know than anything that I've been a part of, and it was just amazing.

One of my very close friends lives in New Jersey, so I visited New Jersey as well, and it was just so much different, you know than anything that I've been a part of, and it was just amazing.

You know.

You know.

I visited a lot of other places, you know, being up north, everything was new to me, so all of it was nice.

I visited a lot of other places, you know, being up north, everything was new to me, so all of it was nice.

But New York is definitely no a great place.

But New York is definitely no a great place.

And no, it really is.

And no, it really is.

I mean it's a melting pot of so many different cultures, food, customs, traditions. You feel that buzz that's so palpable. Now these visits are over now you're just working out, chilling now. So what is this time like now for you?

I mean it's a melting pot of so many different cultures, food, customs, traditions. You feel that buzz that's so palpable. Now these visits are over now you're just working out, chilling now. So what is this time like now for you?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Well, so yesterday was my last visit and I needed like a day, you know, to decompress, you know, from everything, because I felt it, you know, three days ago, the toll that planes have on you.

Well, so yesterday was my last visit and I needed like a day, you know, to decompress, you know, from everything, because I felt it, you know, three days ago, the toll that planes have on you.

And I haven't flown around as much ever in my life. Yeah, and I thought I thought I was gonna die the other day.

And I haven't flown around as much ever in my life. Yeah, and I thought I thought I was gonna die the other day.

But right now it's just this day and I'm trying to use it as recovery, you know, I got to get back into it, you know.

But right now it's just this day and I'm trying to use it as recovery, you know, I got to get back into it, you know.

So yeah, how do you decompress?

So yeah, how do you decompress?

Really? I mean I've I'm in Forward, Texas right now.

Really? I mean I've I'm in Forward, Texas right now.

My family's you know around you know, I try to see them as much as possible. But I also, you know, try to go get massages you know when I can. I just got done, you know, getting from coming from masauna.

My family's you know around you know, I try to see them as much as possible. But I also, you know, try to go get massages you know when I can. I just got done, you know, getting from coming from masauna.

You know. I like getting pedicures.

You know. I like getting pedicures.

Too, So I feel like different ways, different ways to take care of myself, you know, I try to do everything.

Too, So I feel like different ways, different ways to take care of myself, you know, I try to do everything.

Now, how long have you been getting pedicures?

Now, how long have you been getting pedicures?

Oh?

Oh?

Man? Yeah, probably four years? Probably four years.

Man? Yeah, probably four years? Probably four years.

You know I was opening to it, but dude, I'm telling you as a football player, and there's a lot of athletes that are going to disagree with me, but I'm telling you you got to take care of your feet because the callouses and stuff from being in the clice, especially as an offensive lineman. It'll just it'll help you definitely.

You know I was opening to it, but dude, I'm telling you as a football player, and there's a lot of athletes that are going to disagree with me, but I'm telling you you got to take care of your feet because the callouses and stuff from being in the clice, especially as an offensive lineman. It'll just it'll help you definitely.

How hard is it going to be to convince your future teammates and even friends now mm hmm about pedicures.

How hard is it going to be to convince your future teammates and even friends now mm hmm about pedicures.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I feel like that's something that you have to like try once and then make you know, an assumption about because I was I wasn't really fond of it until I had tried, and I was.

I feel like that's something that you have to like try once and then make you know, an assumption about because I was I wasn't really fond of it until I had tried, and I was.

Like, dude, this is like amazing.

Like, dude, this is like amazing.

So now whoever is open you know, to come in and it'll it'll help you, you know.

So now whoever is open you know, to come in and it'll it'll help you, you know.

So, so now we're learning more about you.

So, so now we're learning more about you.

I had actually listened to some.

I had actually listened to some.

Of your podcast that you did, which I believe is called My Turn Voices of Student Athletes, So you had your chance to kind of really we your beak, so to speak, when it comes to media training and yapping and talking and realizing, Okay, I've got some air time to fill here. And one of the things that you talked about was the talent show that you had when you first got to TCU and you had to go in front of the team and do that. So I think you fancied yourself as a stand up comedian.

Of your podcast that you did, which I believe is called My Turn Voices of Student Athletes, So you had your chance to kind of really we your beak, so to speak, when it comes to media training and yapping and talking and realizing, Okay, I've got some air time to fill here. And one of the things that you talked about was the talent show that you had when you first got to TCU and you had to go in front of the team and do that. So I think you fancied yourself as a stand up comedian.

Is this who and what you are?

Is this who and what you are?

Steve? No, Man, that's what No.

Steve? No, Man, that's what No.

For the time being, you know, that's what I considered it to be, because I'm telling you when I told that story, and you know, if y'all want to go and find out what that was, you know, and go check that out My Turn Voice of Student Athletes. But when I had told that story, man, everybody was laughing like it was. I was actually surprised, like people were on the edge of their seats when I was telling the story, and I was like, WHOA. But that's what I'd consider it, you know, stand up, but I don't think I could get in front of a big crade. It's hard being in front of big crowds. But I'm sure that's something that I'll have to get used to.

For the time being, you know, that's what I considered it to be, because I'm telling you when I told that story, and you know, if y'all want to go and find out what that was, you know, and go check that out My Turn Voice of Student Athletes. But when I had told that story, man, everybody was laughing like it was. I was actually surprised, like people were on the edge of their seats when I was telling the story, and I was like, WHOA. But that's what I'd consider it, you know, stand up, but I don't think I could get in front of a big crade. It's hard being in front of big crowds. But I'm sure that's something that I'll have to get used to.

Well, you got used to being then the leader this past year, because I do know your coaches were effusive in their praise where they said they saw how outwardly you would get even viscerally mad and in the face of your teammates to get them fired up.

Well, you got used to being then the leader this past year, because I do know your coaches were effusive in their praise where they said they saw how outwardly you would get even viscerally mad and in the face of your teammates to get them fired up.

M Yeah, man, it was. I mean it was a big transition for me. You know.

M Yeah, man, it was. I mean it was a big transition for me. You know.

You know, not a lot of people can get up in front of people and you know, express their concerns. But you know, the specific story that I'm referencing, you know, I just felt something, you know, tugging on my heart, you know, to get up there and just voice the concerns and you know, get up there and tell the team, you know what I want this team to be. You know, I got up there, and you know it wasn't easy, but you know, I definitely had to voice my concern I definitely felt like, you know, a gain a lot of respect from a lot of my teammates after that situation.

You know, not a lot of people can get up in front of people and you know, express their concerns. But you know, the specific story that I'm referencing, you know, I just felt something, you know, tugging on my heart, you know, to get up there and just voice the concerns and you know, get up there and tell the team, you know what I want this team to be. You know, I got up there, and you know it wasn't easy, but you know, I definitely had to voice my concern I definitely felt like, you know, a gain a lot of respect from a lot of my teammates after that situation.

Yeah, you had also talked about being at TCU for the first time, and even though it was close to where you grew up, there was a time where you were working out so hard and it was so completely different than what you did or didn't do in high school that you actually thought about maybe quitting that maybe this wasn't for you. Talk to us what you were feeling about at that time.

Yeah, you had also talked about being at TCU for the first time, and even though it was close to where you grew up, there was a time where you were working out so hard and it was so completely different than what you did or didn't do in high school that you actually thought about maybe quitting that maybe this wasn't for you. Talk to us what you were feeling about at that time.

Yeah, so, I mean just going into I guess transitioning from high school to college is such a big difference. You know, it was a hard transition for me, and I couldn't tell you why. Maybe I would have helped myself if I moved a little farther, but you know, I tried to eliminate that by you know, being close to family, But just that transition, I've almost felt like, you know, it was more of a kid becoming an adult, you know, thing you're on your own and and doing, you know, what you do. But I just felt like there was a lot of things being thrown at me and just you know, expectations wise, you know, you question yourself sometimes and it was just a hard time, you know, making that transition. But you know, I look back at everything that I went through, and I see it as making me a better person. And you know, I try not to view, you know, trial and error as a bad thing, so you know, at the end of the day, it'll only make you, you know better.

Yeah, so, I mean just going into I guess transitioning from high school to college is such a big difference. You know, it was a hard transition for me, and I couldn't tell you why. Maybe I would have helped myself if I moved a little farther, but you know, I tried to eliminate that by you know, being close to family, But just that transition, I've almost felt like, you know, it was more of a kid becoming an adult, you know, thing you're on your own and and doing, you know, what you do. But I just felt like there was a lot of things being thrown at me and just you know, expectations wise, you know, you question yourself sometimes and it was just a hard time, you know, making that transition. But you know, I look back at everything that I went through, and I see it as making me a better person. And you know, I try not to view, you know, trial and error as a bad thing, so you know, at the end of the day, it'll only make you, you know better.

Well, the recruitment process that you had said, TCU offered to you after they saw you working out, but no love from Baylor or Texas until they saw there was interest from TCU.

Well, the recruitment process that you had said, TCU offered to you after they saw you working out, but no love from Baylor or Texas until they saw there was interest from TCU.

What's the deal there?

What's the deal there?

What happened? Man?

What happened? Man?

So I think I took a junior day visit to Baylor and Texas and I'm not gonna say I was expecting an offer, but at least.

So I think I took a junior day visit to Baylor and Texas and I'm not gonna say I was expecting an offer, but at least.

Yeah, I mean you were kind of hoping, right stick come yeah, come on.

Yeah, I mean you were kind of hoping, right stick come yeah, come on.

But even the vibe that I got, you know, being there, I kind of just felt like I was there. I sort of felt like I was a little bit under recruited, you know, coming out of high school. But you know, I never really looked at it like that, but yeah, I mean I just felt like I was there when I was visiting those schools. And surely enough, you know, I visited TCU and my family was with me, and it just the environment you know, that we got from there was just very family oriented. And that was something that I was looking for, you know, from an organization, and you know, my family helped me make that decision. And surely enough, you know, right after I commit, you know, those two schools called me and and end up offering me so and I kindly declined and told them.

But even the vibe that I got, you know, being there, I kind of just felt like I was there. I sort of felt like I was a little bit under recruited, you know, coming out of high school. But you know, I never really looked at it like that, but yeah, I mean I just felt like I was there when I was visiting those schools. And surely enough, you know, I visited TCU and my family was with me, and it just the environment you know, that we got from there was just very family oriented. And that was something that I was looking for, you know, from an organization, and you know, my family helped me make that decision. And surely enough, you know, right after I commit, you know, those two schools called me and and end up offering me so and I kindly declined and told them.

I was like, look, you know, maybe I would have considered if you know, X, Y and Z.

I was like, look, you know, maybe I would have considered if you know, X, Y and Z.

So yeah, wow, And now look at you where you are in this position. You talked about your family and they're going to be there with you during this draft. Uh well the whole entire drafts, ceremony, coverage, et cetera. So how how are you going to make this into an event there? Because are you going to be in in Kansas City or are you going to be home?

So yeah, wow, And now look at you where you are in this position. You talked about your family and they're going to be there with you during this draft. Uh well the whole entire drafts, ceremony, coverage, et cetera. So how how are you going to make this into an event there? Because are you going to be in in Kansas City or are you going to be home?

No, I'm going to be home.

No, I'm going to be home.

I'm gonna you know, I have a lot of people actually, like one hundred and fifty you know at my.

I'm gonna you know, I have a lot of people actually, like one hundred and fifty you know at my.

Wow, one hundred and fifty and do you know all of these people, Steve.

Wow, one hundred and fifty and do you know all of these people, Steve.

Yes, And that's something that I definitely want toze because I felt like, yeah, I wanted to invite people who I felt like helped me become who.

Yes, And that's something that I definitely want toze because I felt like, yeah, I wanted to invite people who I felt like helped me become who.

I am, you know, along this process. And you know, I kind of made it a point.

I am, you know, along this process. And you know, I kind of made it a point.

You know, it's even my friends and family that like, look like, I don't want to see anybody I don't know, so it's invite only.

You know, it's even my friends and family that like, look like, I don't want to see anybody I don't know, so it's invite only.

So that's definitely how I feel.

So that's definitely how I feel.

And I've always thought that, you know, prior to you know, this season, you know, I was like, look, if I have a draft party, I just want the people that I felt like helped me become a better person, you know there.

And I've always thought that, you know, prior to you know, this season, you know, I was like, look, if I have a draft party, I just want the people that I felt like helped me become a better person, you know there.

So yeah, and there's going to be the barbecue, right, I mean, you can't serve anything else to everybody, right, yeah.

So yeah, and there's going to be the barbecue, right, I mean, you can't serve anything else to everybody, right, yeah.

So so I'm actually having it, you know, at TCU, and I have to order the food that you know that they have.

So so I'm actually having it, you know, at TCU, and I have to order the food that you know that they have.

But on the first oh, come on, see if you get pull some strings, right, come on.

But on the first oh, come on, see if you get pull some strings, right, come on.

I know.

I know.

But on the first day, it's just gonna be just my close family and we're gonna have that you know, obulous barbecue catered.

But on the first day, it's just gonna be just my close family and we're gonna have that you know, obulous barbecue catered.

So yeah, Well, you think you're gonna once you get drafted. You think you're gonna because you seem pretty comfortable and and you know, it doesn't feel like it's it's too big for you in these in these situations like we're in right now, do you think you'll continue to do, like say a podcast or or kind of look into doing that as well as something you do maybe when your your football career is over.

So yeah, Well, you think you're gonna once you get drafted. You think you're gonna because you seem pretty comfortable and and you know, it doesn't feel like it's it's too big for you in these in these situations like we're in right now, do you think you'll continue to do, like say a podcast or or kind of look into doing that as well as something you do maybe when your your football career is over.

Yeah, you know it's funny that you say that, because when I first got into TCU, I was majoring in sports broadcasting.

Yeah, you know it's funny that you say that, because when I first got into TCU, I was majoring in sports broadcasting.

But you know, I don't know was that you know, what's there? So you know, I ended up choosing communication. But I'm not sure.

But you know, I don't know was that you know, what's there? So you know, I ended up choosing communication. But I'm not sure.

You know, my mom always says that I have a knack for speaking in front of the camera and all this stuff.

You know, my mom always says that I have a knack for speaking in front of the camera and all this stuff.

Different.

Different.

I come like a mom. She knows you do. You got a doc.

I come like a mom. She knows you do. You got a doc.

You know you do.

You know you do.

For me, I kind of just want to submit myself first, you know, and shake this transition into the NFL before I find out, you know, what I like to do. So I'll definitely keep an open mind about it. I mean, you know, I sort of like being in front of a camera. I kind of have to learn how to do that. So we'll we'll find out.

For me, I kind of just want to submit myself first, you know, and shake this transition into the NFL before I find out, you know, what I like to do. So I'll definitely keep an open mind about it. I mean, you know, I sort of like being in front of a camera. I kind of have to learn how to do that. So we'll we'll find out.

Yeah, and are we going to find out about what's gonna happen with your hair? Because you're not cutting that right anytime?

Yeah, and are we going to find out about what's gonna happen with your hair? Because you're not cutting that right anytime?

So no, I actually just trimmed it because you know, maintenance thing. But I love, you know, having long hair. You know, I feel like it's somewhat of a trademark. You know, sometimes it comes out my helmet, you know, when it's long. But you know, I'm never I won't be cutting you will never see my hair short again.

So no, I actually just trimmed it because you know, maintenance thing. But I love, you know, having long hair. You know, I feel like it's somewhat of a trademark. You know, sometimes it comes out my helmet, you know, when it's long. But you know, I'm never I won't be cutting you will never see my hair short again.

So yeah, well well then then, uh.

So yeah, well well then then, uh.

Somebody on social media was saying about how some people have called just sideshow Bob or that kind of thing, like you get people giving me what gibbs man.

Somebody on social media was saying about how some people have called just sideshow Bob or that kind of thing, like you get people giving me what gibbs man.

Yeah, I've heard it all. I've heard people call me MAUI. I get mistaken for being Polynesian a lot, a lot, really a lot. Yeah, and it's I think it's the craziest thing, but I somewhat see it.

Yeah, I've heard it all. I've heard people call me MAUI. I get mistaken for being Polynesian a lot, a lot, really a lot. Yeah, and it's I think it's the craziest thing, but I somewhat see it.

I don't know if it's the nose or what.

I don't know if it's the nose or what.

But when I do have my hair up, a lot of people mistaken me for being Polynesian.

But when I do have my hair up, a lot of people mistaken me for being Polynesian.

Yeah, okay, I how about learning Spanish? Is that going to be on your radar?

Yeah, okay, I how about learning Spanish? Is that going to be on your radar?

Oh? Yes, it is.

Oh? Yes, it is.

Actually, you know, I feel like stepping into you know, the NFL. You know, there's not a lot of you know, Hispanic people in the NFL, and I feel like I'm doing a disservice by not speaking Spanish.

Actually, you know, I feel like stepping into you know, the NFL. You know, there's not a lot of you know, Hispanic people in the NFL, and I feel like I'm doing a disservice by not speaking Spanish.

But it was something that I was learning.

But it was something that I was learning.

I think about a year ago, but I had ended up stopping because it felt like school and I was in school. I was like, ah, but I do have a lot of free time. So that's something I will be picking up on. So hopefully, you know, in the next year or two, you know, we'll be speaking you know, Spanish to each other, having a conversation.

I think about a year ago, but I had ended up stopping because it felt like school and I was in school. I was like, ah, but I do have a lot of free time. So that's something I will be picking up on. So hopefully, you know, in the next year or two, you know, we'll be speaking you know, Spanish to each other, having a conversation.

Yeah, yeah, there we go, There we go.

Yeah, yeah, there we go, There we go.

Because you know, also for you it's a big deal, you know, for your family, et cetera.

Because you know, also for you it's a big deal, you know, for your family, et cetera.

But also there aren't.

But also there aren't.

Many Latino Hispanics that are in the game, that play, and it's something that's why we have this podcast to kind of amplify these voices. So has that responsibility. Has that settled in with you, like of what you represent that you could be one of those Latino Hispanic players that people will look up to because south of the border they're rabid football fans down there.

Many Latino Hispanics that are in the game, that play, and it's something that's why we have this podcast to kind of amplify these voices. So has that responsibility. Has that settled in with you, like of what you represent that you could be one of those Latino Hispanic players that people will look up to because south of the border they're rabid football fans down there.

Yeah, for sure.

Yeah, for sure.

And that's a lot what I was just saying, Man, I want to you know, be able to be you know, an inspiration you know, to you know, Hispanic and Latino, the Hispanic and Latino community. You know, even being in this position, and again, I do feel like it's a disservice that I don't know Spanish, and that's definitely something that I'll be picking up.

And that's a lot what I was just saying, Man, I want to you know, be able to be you know, an inspiration you know, to you know, Hispanic and Latino, the Hispanic and Latino community. You know, even being in this position, and again, I do feel like it's a disservice that I don't know Spanish, and that's definitely something that I'll be picking up.

But as the time has gone on and the closer we've gotten into.

But as the time has gone on and the closer we've gotten into.

You know, the draft and all that, you know, it's kind of I've kind of been shown as like, yeah, man, I am you know, representing you know, a certain group of people and all this different stuff. So it's definitely exciting, you know, being a part of a little statistic.

You know, the draft and all that, you know, it's kind of I've kind of been shown as like, yeah, man, I am you know, representing you know, a certain group of people and all this different stuff. So it's definitely exciting, you know, being a part of a little statistic.

So yeah, well you're going to be adding to that little statistic and we are going to be watching, and we're going to be rooting, and we're going to be happy wherever you land. Just make sure that you land back on the Lheadle podcast because we'd love to have you.

So yeah, well you're going to be adding to that little statistic and we are going to be watching, and we're going to be rooting, and we're going to be happy wherever you land. Just make sure that you land back on the Lheadle podcast because we'd love to have you.

Sure.

Sure.

M J.

M J.

Casser Ruiz has incredible locks. So if anybody can can really relate with you on your hair is her, not me. I'm just trying to keep what little I had, Steve, you know what I'm saying.

Casser Ruiz has incredible locks. So if anybody can can really relate with you on your hair is her, not me. I'm just trying to keep what little I had, Steve, you know what I'm saying.

I get it, man, I get it.

I get it, man, I get it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, well should should I just sign off by saying, hey and Stevan Luis Avila, we appreciate you being on man, man, we appreciate it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, well should should I just sign off by saying, hey and Stevan Luis Avila, we appreciate you being on man, man, we appreciate it.

Good luck, and then come.

Good luck, and then come.

On back all right, all right, thank you so much, man, Thank you all right, take care to see you have a good one man.

On back all right, all right, thank you so much, man, Thank you all right, take care to see you have a good one man.

Good Luck.

Good Luck.

And Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

And Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.