As the Arizona Cardinals conducted an organized team activity last week, tight end Elijah Higgins noticed a familiar sight in the offensive huddle. Joining him were wide receivers Michael Wilson and Simi Fehoko, his former teammates from Stanford University.
Reflecting on this reunion, Higgins remarked, “I looked around and thought, ‘This is pretty sweet.'”
The trio last played together during Stanford’s 2020 season, which was affected by the pandemic. During that time, Fehoko and Higgins were leading receivers for the Cardinal, while Wilson also played a significant role despite dealing with injuries.
In their current roles with the Cardinals, Wilson has become the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr., while Higgins transitioned to tight end alongside Pro Bowler Trey McBride. Both entered the NFL in 2023 and have been teammates since then.
Fehoko joined the Cardinals as a free agent this offseason after playing for three other NFL teams. He has accumulated 10 catches over 24 games in his four-year career. Recalling their time at Stanford, Fehoko said he and Wilson often discussed the possibility of playing together professionally. “Just to have it come to fruition is kind of crazy,” he said.
Wilson’s wife Sophia expressed surprise when she learned about Fehoko’s signing with the Cardinals, noting how her husband’s new team was bringing together his former college teammates.
Wilson reflected on the differences between college and professional football life: “Your success in the pros affects your lifestyle at home,” he said. He acknowledged that while players may be more self-interested in the NFL due to financial reasons, college offered a more genuine experience of living closely with teammates.
The trio has enjoyed revisiting memories from their Stanford days through old photos and Snapchat memories. Fehoko appreciates having Higgins and Wilson as resources once again for playbook questions.
“This is the time of year where players learn without heavy pressure,” allowing them to enjoy their reunion before mandatory minicamp begins this week. While Wilson and Higgins are expected to secure roster spots by September, Fehoko faces competition to remain with his friends.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Coach Jonathan Gannon are reshaping the roster with smart players like those from Stanford. As Higgins put it, “Stanford guys are known for taking things seriously and do things the right way.”
