Christian Elliss Bio
Christian Elliss (born January 2, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Idaho Vandals and was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings. He is the son of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss and has three brothers that also play in the NFL: Kaden, Noah, and Jonah.
Early Life and Background
Christian Elliss was born on January 2, 1999, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to Luther and Rebecca Elliss. He is the third-oldest of twelve children in his family. His older brother Kaden plays for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Elliss attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where he led his team to the state finals as a senior and earned the South Metro co-Defensive Player of the Year award. After high school, he accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Idaho. As a true freshman in 2017, Elliss played in eleven games for the Idaho Vandals football team, recording 30 tackles and one interception. He gained a starting position as a sophomore, playing in all eleven games as a starter at the middle linebacker position. He led the team with 81 tackles and was named All-Big Sky. In his junior year, he transitioned to outside linebacker, starting all eleven games and earning first-team All-Big Sky honors. He led the team with 4.5 sacks and placed second with 104 tackles. The 2020 season was canceled, but a spring 2021 schedule was announced. In a shortened 2021 season with five games, Elliss made 50 tackles and was selected to first-team All-Big Sky for the second consecutive season.
Path to American Football
Following the 2021 NFL Draft, where Elliss went unselected, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings. After a preseason game, he was fined for an unnecessary roughness penalty and was released shortly after on August 23, 2021. Elliss was signed to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles on September 9, 2021, but faced multiple releases and re-signings throughout the season. On November 3, 2021, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad but was released a week later. Elliss was re-signed to the Eagles’ practice squad on November 24, 2021, and made his NFL debut on January 8, 2022, against the Dallas Cowboys, collecting three combined tackles in the game. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 18, 2022. Elliss was elevated to the active roster for the Eagles’ week thirteen game against the Tennessee Titans, where he made five total tackles and contributed significantly on special teams. He finished the 2022 regular season with six games played and eleven total tackles.
Christian Elliss Career
Early Career (2021)
Christian Elliss began his professional career in 2021 after going undrafted. He initially joined the Minnesota Vikings but was released shortly after. He then had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers before returning to the Eagles, where he made his NFL debut. His early career was marked by challenges, including multiple signings and releases, but he managed to secure a place on the Eagles’ active roster by the end of the 2022 season.
Breakthrough (2023)
In 2023, Christian Elliss was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. He quickly became a key player for the team, starting six games after an injury to teammate Ja’Whaun Bentley. Throughout the season, he achieved a career-high of eighty tackles, along with 1.5 sacks, five passes defended, and an interception against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. His performance solidified his position as a valuable linebacker in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Christian Elliss’s signature achievement includes his breakout season with the New England Patriots in 2023, where he demonstrated his capabilities as a linebacker. He has accumulated significant statistics, including a career-high in tackles and contributions to the team’s defensive efforts.
Christian Elliss Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Christian Elliss has not received any notable award nominations.
Christian Elliss Awards Won
Christian Elliss has not won any major awards to date.
Christian Elliss Family
Christian Elliss is the son of Luther and Rebecca Elliss. He has a large family, being the third-oldest of twelve children. His brother Kaden Elliss currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons, while his other brothers Noah and Jonah also pursue careers in the NFL.
Personal Life
Details about Christian Elliss’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional career in the NFL.
