A former defender, Herrera began his career playing with second division side Deportivo Neza in 1985, then transferring to Tecos UAG in 1987, and making his debut in the Primera División in 1988. After a brief period with Santos Laguna, in 1989 Herrera transferred to Atlante and went on to play for the club on three occasions, winning his only league championship as a player during the 1992–93 season. He also had a notable spell with Toros Neza, making over 100 appearances for the club from 1995 till 1999. He retired with Atlante in 2000. Herrera was also a Mexican international, earning 14 caps and participated in the 1993 Copa América tournament in which Mexico finished runner-up.