The NFL is home not only to American footballers but also players from all around the globe. Anyone who is talented and has risen through the ranks of college football is given the opportunity to serve in the NFL. Having played for the TCU Horned Frogs in college, Steve Avila has now found his home in the Los Angeles Rams.

Picking him up as their second round (36th overall), Avila had a great start to his rookie year. Last season, he started all 17 games at center while finishing the season as the only Rams player to play all the offensive snaps. He even found himself on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, thereby getting rewarded for his performances in his debut year. However, you might not be aware. But Steve Avila is not really his real name. His real name is in his native language, Avila, acquired from his parents.

What is Steve Avila’s real name?

Appearing for an episode of El Huddle in 2023, Avila was introduced by his real name, “Esteban Luis Avila.” He even appreciated the interviewer for saying his name right, “I actually appreciate that. You know, when people can say my name right, and I know you speak Spanish.” When asked about the reason for changing his name, Avila said that because not many people pronounce his name correctly, “That’s kind of why I changed my name. Not really my name in English is Steve. But that’s why I go with that, you know, because not a lot of people say it but not.”

Although this decision may have helped Avila through his freshman year in college. His mom, who is African American, never liked his decision, “My mom really was the one that got upset. Yeah. She was like, why do you go like that? That’s not your name.” On further queries, Avila also revealed how his mom still hasn’t accepted the fact that her son changed his name. Well, the reason his mom continues to express her distaste for Steve’s decision could stem from their family roots.

What is Steve’s ethnicity?

Steve Avila basically boasts mixed ethnicity in his genes. His mother, who is African-American, married his father, who is Mexican-American. And as for Steve Avila, he was born in Arlington, Texas. From there on, he completed his primaries at South Grand Prairie High School. Then went on to play college football for Texas Christian University.

When he was asked to reveal more about his mixed family background, Avila started with his mother, “My mother is African American. She’s from Memphis, Tennessee. It’s funny because she was in high school. She taught herself Spanish.” And then he switched on to his father, “My father is from Mexico. Forgive me not sure what part, but he is from Mexico. They settled down in South Texas by Laredo, a small town called Hebronville.”

As Steve Avila navigates through his diversified ethnicity, he continues to help the Rams from his capabilities at center. Although right now, he finds himself sidelined with an MCL injury, we hope he can return stronger than ever. While helping the Rams like he did before getting injured this season.