Eli Ankou Bio
Eli Ankou (born June 8, 1994) is a Canadian professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins. Ankou grew up in Canada and played high school football for the St. Peter Catholic High School Knights in Orleans, Ontario, before finishing his senior season at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware.
Early Life and Background
Eli Ankou was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He attended St. Peter Catholic High School, where he began to develop his skills in football. Later, he transferred to Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware, where he continued to excel as a defensive player. His performance in high school earned him a football scholarship to UCLA, where he further honed his skills and prepared for a professional career. Ankou’s journey in football began at a young age, influenced by his family’s background. He is of Ojibwe descent through his mother, Nicole Bellefeuille, and his father, Adolphe, hails from Togo in West Africa. This diverse heritage has shaped his identity and approach to the sport.
Path to American Football
After completing high school, Eli Ankou accepted a scholarship to play football at UCLA. During his time with the Bruins, he faced challenges, including injuries that limited his playing time early in his college career. However, he persevered and became a key player in his senior year, starting 11 games and recording impressive statistics, including 47 tackles and 5 tackles for loss. His performance at UCLA showcased his potential and caught the attention of NFL scouts. Ankou entered the NFL Draft in 2017 but went undrafted. Despite this setback, he was signed as a free agent by the Houston Texans shortly after the draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Eli Ankou Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Eli Ankou’s professional career began with the Houston Texans, where he was signed as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017. However, he was waived by the Texans before the start of the regular season. Shortly after, he was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his time with the Jaguars, Ankou played in nine games in his rookie season, recording 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He continued to develop his skills and contributed to the team’s defensive line. In 2019, Ankou was signed by the Cleveland Browns, where he played in nine games and made two starts, further establishing himself in the league.
Breakthrough (2020-Present)
Ankou’s career took a significant turn in 2020 when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Although his time with the Colts was brief, he continued to showcase his abilities. He returned to the Houston Texans later that year and was subsequently traded to the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys, Ankou played in seven games, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts. In 2021, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons but was waived shortly after. He then joined the Buffalo Bills, where he had a more extended tenure, playing in six games and recording 10 tackles and one sack. Ankou’s resilience and adaptability have allowed him to navigate the challenges of being a professional athlete in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Eli Ankou has made significant contributions to various teams, including the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different defensive schemes has made him a valuable asset in the league.
Eli Ankou Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Eli Ankou has not received any notable award nominations.
Eli Ankou Awards Won
Eli Ankou has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Eli Ankou Family
Eli Ankou is engaged to American racing cyclist Shayna Powless, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2013. The couple met while attending UCLA.
Personal Life
Ankou is of Ojibwe descent through his mother and has a diverse cultural background. He has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his football career. As of 2021, he and Shayna Powless are engaged, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.