Christian Elliss, a linebacker from Idaho, will be returning to the Super Bowl as part of the New England Patriots after they defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC championship game in Santa Clara, California. Elliss played a vital role in the victory by recording two tackles, two assists, a sack, and a forced fumble that helped shift momentum toward the Patriots, demonstrating why this has been his most successful professional season yet.
Career-Best Performance Highlights Elliss’s Growth
Throughout the 2023 season, Elliss appeared in 18 games—including the playoffs—and started 15 of them. He achieved a career-high of 94 tackles during the regular season and made critical contributions in the postseason with a forced fumble and recovery. At 27 years old, the Idaho alumnus is firmly establishing himself as a formidable presence on the field.
Local Fans Experience Mixed Loyalties Amidst Elliss’s Success
In Moscow, Idaho, where Elliss built his football foundation at the University of Idaho, community support is split between the Seahawks and now their hometown star on the Patriots’ roster. Despite his time with various NFL teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, Elliss remains deeply connected to his roots.
He emphasized his gratitude with a statement upon arriving on the Patriots’ team plane wearing an Idaho Vandals shirt, a symbol of his ongoing connection.
I’m forever grateful to the school, to the organization, to all of them for giving me the opportunity,
Elliss said.
One, for letting me and my brothers and my dad — my dad coached me four years there — and I met my wife there. There are so many blessings I have. Some of my best friends are still there, and I talk to them weekly. So I’m very blessed to have been a Vandal, and that’s why we still rep.
Second Super Bowl Appearance Sets the Stage for Redemption
This will be Elliss’s second appearance in the Super Bowl after being part of the Philadelphia Eagles roster for the 2023 championship where they narrowly lost to Kansas City 38-35. This time, he is determined to secure a victory and lift the Lombardi Trophy, facing the Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming showdown.
Family Support and Idaho Legacy Bolster Elliss’s Journey
Elliss will have strong family backing at the game, including his three brothers, all current or former NFL players, along with other relatives. His collegiate career at Idaho was marked by impressive stats, including 266 tackles, nearly 20 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions over four seasons. He earned all-conference honors three times, with first-team All-Big Sky recognition in 2019 and the spring 2021 season.
Elliss joins an elite group of Vandals, becoming the 17th player from the University of Idaho to appear on a Super Bowl roster. The list includes renowned Hall of Famers like Jerry Kramer and Ray McDonald, linking Elliss to a proud tradition as he aims to add a championship to his legacy.
