Eli Apple Bio
Eli Apple (born August 9, 1995) is an American professional football cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning the 2015 National Championship before being selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. Known for his agility and defensive skills, Apple has made a significant impact in the NFL since his debut, showcasing his talent across multiple teams over the years.
Early Life and Background
Eli Apple was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. He was raised by his mother, Annie Apple, and his stepfather, Tim Apple. Apple attended Eastern Regional High School, where he excelled in football and was recognized as the top prospect in New Jersey in the 2013 class. His impressive performance garnered attention from numerous colleges, leading to about twenty scholarship offers. Ultimately, he committed to Ohio State University in 2012 after initially considering other schools such as Rutgers and Notre Dame.
Path to American Football
Apple enrolled at Ohio State in January 2013 as a five-star prospect. He redshirted his freshman year and played as a redshirt freshman in 2014. During his time at Ohio State, he participated in significant games, including the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship, where he earned the title of Defensive MVP in his second season. His college career laid the foundation for his entry into professional football, culminating in his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL draft.
Eli Apple Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
The New York Giants selected Eli Apple in the first round as the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $15.15 million, which included a signing bonus of $9.21 million. Apple made his professional debut in the Giants’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, recording four solo tackles. Throughout his rookie season, he started 11 games and finished with 51 combined tackles, one interception, and seven pass deflections.
Breakthrough (2019-2022)
After two seasons with the Giants, Apple was traded to the New Orleans Saints in October 2018. He quickly became a starter and recorded his first interception with the Saints in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2019, he started 15 games, showcasing his defensive skills with 58 tackles and four passes defended. In 2020, Apple signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, but injuries limited his playtime. He later joined the Cincinnati Bengals, where he became a key player, especially during the 2021 season, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl run.
Notable Works and Milestones
Eli Apple’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including being part of the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship team and earning accolades such as Second-team All-Big Ten. His journey through various NFL teams has highlighted his resilience and adaptability as a cornerback.
Eli Apple Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Eli Apple has received recognition for his performances on the field, including being named a Second-team All-Big Ten player during his college career.
Eli Apple Awards Won
Eli Apple was part of the Ohio State Buckeyes team that won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015.
Eli Apple Family
Eli Apple was raised by his mother, Annie Apple, and his stepfather, Tim Apple. He is also the nephew of actor and comedian Michael Blackson.
Personal Life
Eli Apple changed his name from Eli Woodard to Eli Apple in 2012. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his football career.