Heritage High alumnus Hifo signs with Kansas City Chiefs

Aleva Hifo, shown here during his football career at BYU, signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Photo courtesy of BYU Athletics

By Doug Spoon, Editor

For the second consecutive year, a Heritage High School and BYU alumnus has earned a spot on an NFL roster.

Aleva Hifo, who graduated from Heritage in 2015, was not selected in the NFL draft but signed a free agent contract with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. A standout career at BYU and an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.41 in a recent workout made Hifo an attractive pick, draft or no draft, and the Chiefs wasted no time in signing him.

As a wide receiver at BYU, Hifo made 118 catches for 1,336 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 55 carries for 233 yards and four touchdowns. His versatility could give the Chiefs several options in using him, including on special teams.

“Aleva is one of the most explosive players I’ve ever coached,” said Kraig Broach, who coached Hifo at Heritage High. “It’s fun to see, and it wasn’t really a shock. We talked before the draft, and when I saw he ran a 4.41 40, that made me think somebody would pick him up. And to go to the Super Bowl champs … how exciting is that?”

A year ago, former Heritage standout Sione Takitaki was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, becoming the first Heritage alumnus drafted by an NFL team. He appeared in 15 games at linebacker, started in one, and made 14 solo tackles. Takitaki previously lived with the Hifo family, which has younger sons who undoubtedly will eventually be Heritage players as well.

In his senior season at Heritage, Hifo rushed for 488 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 548 yards and 9 TDs. He helped lead the Patriots to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the CIF finals.

“There’s nothing negative to say about Aleva,” Broach said. “He’s a humble person and a great leader."

Broach, who recently resigned his coaching position after 12 seasons, says there’s one thing he knows he will be able to do in his new-found spare time.

“I’m going to Kansas City and Cleveland to watch one of their games, for sure,” Broach said about Hifo and Takitaki.