Tee Higgins: From Humble Beginnings to NFL Stardom

Tamaurice William “Tee” Higgins is a name that resonates with football fans, not just for his athletic prowess but also for his inspiring journey from adversity to success. Born on January 18, 1999, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Higgins has established himself as one of the NFL’s most promising wide receivers. Known for his incredible size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Higgins currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. His story is one of perseverance, family strength, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

Key Information About Tee Higgins

Early Life and Childhood

Tee Higgins grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a small town near Knoxville. His childhood was marked by challenges, particularly due to his mother Camillia Stewart’s struggles with addiction. Despite these difficulties, Higgins found solace in sports and family. His older sister KeKe played a pivotal role in his upbringing, often stepping in as a caregiver during their mother’s difficult times.

Higgins’ love for football began early but was not without its hurdles. He initially disliked the physicality of the game and even attempted to quit multiple times. However, his mother and aunt motivated him through creative incentives—like promising him Hot Wheels cars if he scored touchdowns. This playful encouragement eventually turned into a passion that would shape his future.

Education and Athletic Beginnings

Higgins attended Oak Ridge High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. A standout in both basketball and football, he was a finalist for Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball award as a junior. However, it was on the football field where he truly shined. As a senior, he recorded 68 receptions for 1,044 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him five-star recruit status.

Initially committed to the University of Tennessee for college football, Higgins later switched to Clemson University. This decision proved pivotal as it set the stage for his rise to national prominence.

College Career at Clemson

At Clemson University from 2017 to 2019, Higgins quickly became a star wide receiver. His sophomore year was particularly remarkable as he helped lead the Tigers to victory in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama. Over three seasons at Clemson, he amassed:

• 135 receptions
• 2,448 receiving yards
• 27 touchdowns, tying Clemson’s all-time record.

Higgins’ versatility allowed him to play multiple receiver positions effectively. His ability to make contested catches and stretch the field made him one of the most complete receivers in college football.

Professional Career and Achievements

Higgins declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year at Clemson and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2020 draft.

Rookie Season (2020)

• Recorded 67 receptions for 908 yards and six touchdowns.
• Tied Cris Collinsworth’s Bengals rookie record for receptions.

Breakout Years (2021–2022)

• Achieved back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
• Played a crucial role in the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI run.
• Scored two touchdowns in Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams.

Challenges and Resilience (2023–2024)

Higgins’ 2023 season was hampered by injuries but showcased his resilience with strong performances late in the year. In 2024, he returned to form under the Bengals’ franchise tag while remaining a key player alongside teammate Ja’Marr Chase.

Awards and Honors

• 2019 ACC Championship Game MVP
• First-team All-ACC (2019)
• Second-team All-American (2019)
• Multiple ACC Receiver of the Week honors
• Holds several Clemson records for receiving touchdowns and yards.

Timeline of Life Events

Cultural and Social Background

Higgins’ upbringing in Oak Ridge shaped much of who he is today. Raised primarily by his mother and sister during challenging times, he developed immense respect for family values. His mother’s recovery from addiction has been a source of inspiration throughout his life.

Higgins is also known for giving back to his community. He has partnered with organizations like Hot Wheels to donate toys to children in need—a nod to his own childhood love for Hot Wheels cars.

Relationships and Personal Life

While Higgins keeps much of his personal life private, he remains close to his family. His bond with his mother is particularly strong; she often attends games wearing his jersey and cheering loudly from the stands.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of football, Higgins enjoys:

• Collecting Hot Wheels cars.
• Playing basketball recreationally.
• Spending time with family and friends.

He also has an interest in philanthropy and frequently participates in community outreach programs.

Memorable Quotes and Anecdotes

1. “Whatever issue I’m having will never compare to what my mom went through.”
2. “I’m still working on forgiving my mom’s shooter—it’s going to take time.”
3. “When I see my mom smiling in the stands wearing my jersey—it doesn’t get better than that.”

Did You Know?

1. Tee Higgins was named after former NFL star Tee Martin.
2. He tied Clemson’s all-time record for career receiving touchdowns (27).
3. He initially preferred basketball over football.
4. His favorite NFL team growing up was the Cincinnati Bengals.
5. He once scored three touchdowns in a game just to earn three Hot Wheels cars.
6. His mother overcame addiction after years of struggle.
7. He played all three receiver positions at Clemson.
8. He has an impressive wingspan of over 81 inches.
9. He is known for being loud on game days—just like his mom!
10. He promised his mother he would return to college to complete his degree.

Tee Higgins exemplifies resilience and determination both on and off the field. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving professional success at the highest level of football, he continues to inspire fans worldwide with his story of perseverance and triumph.

References

1. Tee Higgins – Cincinnati Bengals Official Team Page
2. Tee Higgins – Clemson Tigers Official Athletics Site
3. Tee Higgins – ESPN Player Profile
4. Tee Higgins – Wikipedia
5. Momma’s Boy by Tee Higgins | The Players’ Tribune
6. Tee Higgins Bio | StatMuse
7. Tee Higgins College Stats – Sports Reference
8. NFL Draft Profile: Tee Higgins – NFL.com
9. Bengals’ Tee Higgins: Career Stats and Highlights – Pro Football Reference
10. Tee Higgins Career Timeline – CBS Sports
11. Tee Higgins News and Updates – Yahoo Sports
12. Tee Higgins Stats and Game Logs – Rotoworld
13. Tee Higgins Injury Updates – NFL Injury Tracker
14. Tee Higgins Fantasy Football Profile – FantasyPros
15. Clemson Football History: Tee Higgins’ Legacy – Clemson Insider