Elijah Dotson Bio
Elijah Dotson, born on January 19, 1999, is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 202 pounds, he has built his career through perseverance after going undrafted in 2023. Dotson is a Sacramento, California native who has spent his professional journey moving between NFL organizations and now competes at the top level of the UFL.
After attending Antelope High School, Dotson played college football for the Sacramento State Hornets before transferring to the Northern Colorado Bears. He earned multiple All-Big Sky honors during his college career, which led to opportunities with NFL teams. His professional story reflects determination, with stints on active rosters and practice squads that have shaped his path in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Dotson was born on January 19, 1999, in Sacramento, California, in the United States. He grew up in the Sacramento area and developed a passion for football at a young age. As a youth, Dotson played Pop Warner football for the Jr. Foothill Mustangs, a program based in Sacramento that helped introduce him to the fundamentals of the sport.
Dotson attended Antelope High School in Antelope, California, where he continued to develop his skills as a running back. The Antelope community, located in the greater Sacramento region, provided him with a familiar setting to grow as both a player and a young athlete. His high school experience laid the groundwork for his transition to the college level.
Following his high school graduation, Dotson took the next step in his football career by joining Sacramento State. The decision to stay near his hometown allowed him to begin his collegiate journey with the support of his local community. His time in the Sacramento area during his formative years shaped the work ethic and resilience that would later define his professional career.
Path to American Football
Elijah Dotson’s path to professional football began in earnest when he joined the Sacramento State Hornets. Playing for his hometown college program, he quickly established himself as a capable running back in the Big Sky Conference. His performances during the 2018 and 2019 seasons earned him First-team All-Big Sky honors in both years, signaling his arrival as one of the conference’s top players at his position.
During the 2019 season, Dotson also received HERO Sports Second Team All-America recognition, a distinction that highlighted his national profile. These accolades attracted attention from NFL scouts, even as he continued to refine his game. His success at Sacramento State demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against consistent competition.
Seeking a fresh opportunity, Dotson transferred to the University of Northern Colorado, where he played for the Bears in 2022. The move allowed him to compete in a new environment while continuing to build on his track record. His journey from Pop Warner to the Big Sky Conference and ultimately to the Northern Colorado Bears prepared him for the next chapter of his football career.
Elijah Dotson Career
Early Career (2023)
Elijah Dotson began his professional football career in 2023 after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent, earning his first opportunity at the highest level of professional football. The signing marked a significant milestone for Dotson, who had worked his way up through high school and college football to reach the NFL.
During the 2023 season, Dotson appeared in four games for the Los Angeles Chargers, contributing on offense and special teams. On December 2, 2023, he was waived by the team, but just three days later on December 5, he was re-signed to the Chargers’ practice squad. This sequence of moves reflected the typical path of a young undrafted player working to prove himself at the professional level.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2023)
Elijah Dotson’s initial breakthrough came with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. As an undrafted free agent, he impressed enough during the offseason to earn a spot on the roster. The opportunity to play in four NFL games gave him valuable experience and allowed him to record his first professional statistics, including rushing yards and receptions.
On January 11, 2024, Dotson signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers, securing his place with the organization beyond the 2023 season. The contract was a sign of confidence from the team in his potential. However, on August 27, 2024, Dotson was waived by the Chargers as part of the league’s final roster cuts, ending his time with the franchise.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–2025)
Following his release from the Los Angeles Chargers, Dotson found a new opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons. On December 3, 2024, he signed with the Falcons’ practice squad, joining another NFL organization looking to develop his talents. The move provided him with a fresh start and another chance to compete at the professional level.
Doton continued to show his resilience by signing a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons on January 6, 2025, ensuring his place with the team heading into the new league year. His performance and work ethic during his time on the practice squad earned him this commitment. However, on August 23, 2025, Dotson was waived by the Falcons as part of final roster cuts, bringing his NFL chapter to a temporary close.
Orlando Storm Era (2026–Present)
On January 21, 2026, Elijah Dotson signed with the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL), beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The UFL, formed through the merger of several spring football leagues, provided Dotson with an opportunity to continue playing the sport at a high level. The move to Orlando represented both a fresh start and a chance to showcase his abilities on a national stage.
As a member of the Orlando Storm, Dotson wears jersey number 33 and is listed as an active running back on the team’s roster. His transition to the UFL came after years of navigating the challenges of being an undrafted player in the NFL. The Orlando Storm era represents continued growth and a new platform to extend his professional football career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Elijah Dotson has demonstrated a versatile skill set as a running back throughout his career. His compact frame at 5 feet 9 inches and 202 pounds allows him to play with a low center of gravity, which can be an advantage when navigating through traffic at the line of scrimmage. His college statistics and All-Big Sky selections reflect a player capable of both rushing and contributing in the passing game, as evidenced by his career receptions and receiving yards totals at the NFL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Elijah Dotson’s career came when he earned First-team All-Big Sky honors in both 2018 and 2019, establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the conference. His HERO Sports Second Team All-America recognition in 2019 further solidified his reputation as a player of national caliber. Signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and later joining the Orlando Storm in 2026 are also key moments in his professional journey.
Elijah Dotson Career Wins
Elijah Dotson’s professional career has been defined more by perseverance and roster moves than by championship wins. After going undrafted in 2023, he has worked to maintain a professional football career across multiple organizations. While specific game-by-game win totals are not readily available, his ability to sign with new teams and earn reserve/future contracts reflects the trust that NFL and UFL organizations have placed in his abilities.
Orlando Storm Highlights
Since joining the Orlando Storm on January 21, 2026, Dotson has been an active member of the team’s roster. His contributions to the UFL franchise mark the latest chapter in his professional career. As he continues to play for the Storm, additional highlights and achievements are expected to follow.
Elijah Dotson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Elijah Dotson grew up in the Sacramento, California area, where he developed his early love for football playing Pop Warner for the Jr. Foothill Mustangs. His roots in the Sacramento community have remained a central part of his identity as an athlete. Details about his immediate family members are not publicly documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Elijah Dotson maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his professional journey. He is known to keep much of his personal life private, with limited public information about relationships or family beyond his upbringing in Sacramento. His focus has remained on his football career as he continues to compete at the professional level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Elijah Dotson. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons on January 6, 2025, he participated in the team’s offseason program and worked to secure a spot on the regular-season roster. His time with the Falcons provided him with another opportunity to compete at the NFL level.
On August 23, 2025, Dotson was waived by the Atlanta Falcons as part of the league’s final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the organization. The release was part of the standard process that all NFL teams undertake as they trim their rosters to the regular-season limit. Despite the setback, Dotson remained committed to continuing his professional football career.
Following his release, Dotson was positioned to explore new opportunities, which eventually led to his signing with the Orlando Storm of the UFL in January 2026. The 2025 season ultimately served as a bridge between his NFL experience and his current role in the UFL. His perseverance through roster changes throughout 2025 highlighted the determination that has defined his professional path.
