Elijah Molden Bio
Elijah Monroe Molden is an American professional football safety for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 30, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he played college football for the Washington Huskies. Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, Molden has demonstrated versatility by playing safety and cornerback, contributing significantly to his teams in various roles.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Molden attended West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon, where he played both cornerback and running back. In his sophomore year, the team achieved an 8-3 record and advanced to the state’s 6A quarterfinals. Molden rushed for 784 yards on 110 carries, scoring nine rushing touchdowns, and recorded 38 receptions for 542 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. As a junior, he helped lead West Linn to a 12–2 record and a spot in the 6A state title game, rushing for 1,071 yards with seventeen rushing touchdowns and earning first-team All-Three Rivers League honors on both offense and defense. In his senior season, Molden contributed to a perfect 14–0 record, culminating in a 62–7 victory in the 6A state championship game. He recorded three interceptions on defense while also excelling offensively with ten rushing touchdowns. After his senior season, he was recognized as a nationally ranked recruit, with ESPN listing him as the #2 prospect in Oregon and #213 overall in the country.
Path to American Football
Despite his father’s legacy at the University of Oregon, Elijah Molden chose to carve out his own path and committed to the University of Washington. He played in all 13 games during his true freshman season and continued to excel throughout his college career. In his sophomore year, he played in all 14 games, earning two starts and winning the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award. Molden’s junior season was highlighted by his MVP performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he recorded nine tackles and an interception. He earned multiple accolades, including first-team All-Pac-12 and Pro Football Focus All-America second-team honors. His senior season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still started every game and was named a second-team All-American by Pro Football Focus. Molden declared for the NFL draft on December 21, 2020, forgoing his remaining eligibility.
Elijah Molden Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Elijah Molden was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, being the 100th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.78 million, including an $840,620 signing bonus. Molden made his professional debut on September 12, 2021, against the Arizona Cardinals, recording two solo tackles. He earned his first career start in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, where he made a season-high nine combined tackles. Molden finished his rookie season with 62 combined tackles, four pass deflections, one interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one touchdown in 16 games. In 2022, he faced challenges with injuries, being placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury. He returned to play in November but was limited to two games that season.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
In 2024, Molden was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he began the season as a backup safety. He quickly made an impact, earning his first start with the Chargers in Week 2 and recording seven combined tackles and an interception. Throughout the season, he demonstrated his skills, finishing with 75 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in 15 games. His performance earned him a contract extension with the Chargers on February 20, 2025, worth $18.75 million over three years.
Notable Works and Milestones
Elijah Molden’s signature achievements include being named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2019 and 2020, and his impressive rookie season with the Tennessee Titans, where he made significant contributions on defense.
Elijah Molden Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Elijah Molden has received recognition for his performance on the field, including multiple All-Pac-12 selections during his college career.
Elijah Molden Awards Won
Elijah Molden has achieved notable accolades, including being named first-team All-Pac-12 twice and second-team All-Pac-12 once during his college career.
Elijah Molden Family
Elijah Molden is the son of Alex and Christin Molden. He is the second oldest of eight children, and his father is a member of the University of Oregon Hall of Fame and a former NFL cornerback.
Personal Life
Information regarding Elijah Molden’s personal life is limited, but it is known that he comes from a large family and has a strong athletic legacy through his father.