Elijah Campbell Bio
Elijah Campbell is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for Iowa Western Community College, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Northern Iowa, he signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He also played for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football and the DC Defenders of the XFL.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Campbell was born on August 24, 1995, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to parents Jamal and Denna Hickman. He attended Saint Paul Central High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. During his senior year, Campbell helped lead his team to an impressive 8–1 record, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 69 tackles and six interceptions, showcasing his versatility as a two-way athlete.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career, Campbell began his collegiate journey at Iowa Western Community College, where he contributed to an undefeated season and played in the Junior College National Championship. He then transferred to Northern Illinois University in 2015, where he played primarily on special teams, recording five tackles in his lone season. Campbell continued his education and football career at the University of Northern Iowa, where he became a starting safety and made significant contributions to the team.
Elijah Campbell Career
Early Career (2018)
Elijah Campbell signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2018. Unfortunately, he was waived before the start of the regular season. Later that year, he joined the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football, where he made the roster and played in eight games before the league ceased operations in April 2019.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
In October 2019, Campbell was selected by the DC Defenders in the XFL draft. He played four games for the Defenders before the league suspended operations in April 2020. Subsequently, he signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad in November 2020 and was elevated to the active roster in December of the same year. However, he was waived in August 2021.
Notable Works and Milestones
Elijah Campbell’s signature achievements include being named a Third-team FCS All-American and earning First-team All-MVFC honors in 2017. His career statistics include 40 total tackles, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery as of 2024.
Elijah Campbell Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Elijah Campbell has received several notable accolades, including recognition as a Third-team FCS All-American and multiple All-MVFC selections.
Elijah Campbell Awards Won
Elijah Campbell has not received any major awards but has been recognized for his performance at the collegiate level, particularly during the 2017 season.
Elijah Campbell Family
Elijah Campbell is married to Anisse, and the couple welcomed their son, Zakai, in 2018. They reside in Florida, where they are involved in business ventures, including operating several franchises of the açaí bowl chain restaurant Nautical Bowls.
Personal Life
Elijah Campbell married Anisse on June 26, 2021, in Ham Lake, Minnesota. The couple became engaged in July 2019 and has since built a family together. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, managing restaurant franchises in Florida.