E.J. Speed Bio
Elbert Martin “E. J.” Speed is an American professional football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tarleton State Texans. Speed was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has since made an impact in the league with notable achievements on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Elbert Martin Speed was born on June 1, 1995, in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended North Crowley High School, where he played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Panthers football team. Speed was recognized for his talent, earning first-team All-District honors as a senior after passing for 3,000 yards, rushing for 350 yards, and catching 30 passes for 400 yards with two touchdowns. He was ranked a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and was one of the top 30 high school recruits in Texas, receiving scholarship offers from several universities. However, he chose to play college football at NCAA Division II Tarleton State University to remain close to his family after his stepbrother was diagnosed with cancer.
Path to American Football
Speed played five seasons for the Tarleton State Texans. Initially recruited to play quarterback, he was converted to wide receiver before eventually moving to linebacker after redshirting his sophomore season due to injury. His first season of playing time saw him finish third on the team with 68 tackles, including 13 for loss, and he was named second-team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC). Despite facing injuries, he recorded significant statistics, including a career-high 106 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss during his senior season. Speed concluded his collegiate career with 231 tackles, 36 of which were for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles.
E.J. Speed Career
Early Career (2019-2024)
E.J. Speed was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round, 164th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a rookie contract with the team on May 3, 2019, and made his NFL debut on September 15, 2019, in a game against the Tennessee Titans. In his rookie season, Speed recorded seven total tackles over 12 games. His performance on special teams began to shine in 2020 when he blocked a punt against the Titans, which led to a touchdown and earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. In 2021, he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, further solidifying his role as a key player on special teams.
Breakthrough (2021-2024)
Speed’s breakthrough moments came in the 2021 season when he scored on a blocked punt against the New England Patriots, showcasing his ability to impact games beyond traditional linebacker duties. In 2023, he played in 16 games with 11 starts, finishing second on the team with 102 tackles, one sack, four passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. His consistent performance led to a two-year contract extension with the Colts in March 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
E.J. Speed is known for his versatility and effectiveness on special teams, earning multiple AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards. His notable achievements include being named second-team All-LSC during his college career and making significant contributions to the Indianapolis Colts’ defense and special teams units.
E.J. Speed Award Nominations
Throughout his career, E.J. Speed has received recognition for his performance, particularly in special teams, but specific award nominations are not detailed in the available information.
E.J. Speed Awards Won
E.J. Speed has been recognized as a two-time second-team All-Lone Star Conference (LSC) player during his college career, highlighting his achievements on the field.
E.J. Speed Family
Information regarding E.J. Speed’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about E.J. Speed’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
