Elijah Riley Bio
Elijah Riley (born June 12, 1998) is an American professional football safety. He has spent time with multiple National Football League franchises after entering the league as an undrafted free agent. Riley is listed at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds, and he currently plays for the New York Giants. He previously attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played college football for the Army Black Knights.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Riley was born on June 12, 1998, in Port Jefferson, New York, in the United States. He grew up on Long Island and attended Newfield High School in New York, where he began playing competitive football. His time at Newfield helped shape the discipline and physical style that would later define his professional career.
Coming from a Long Island community, Riley developed the work ethic required to compete at higher levels of the sport. His high school performance drew attention from college programs looking for tough, versatile defensive backs. He balanced academics and athletics as he prepared for the next step in his football journey.
Path to American Football
Following his preparation at Newfield High School, Elijah Riley committed to play college football at Army, the United States Military Academy at West Point. He played for the Army Black Knights from 2016 through 2019, competing as a defensive back in a run-heavy, physical scheme. His time at Army demanded both athletic and academic commitment.
Riley’s development at Army gave him experience in tackling, coverage, and special teams. The Black Knights program is known for producing disciplined players, and Riley’s performance there helped position him for an NFL opportunity. After the 2020 NFL Draft concluded without his name being called, he prepared to sign as an undrafted free agent.
Elijah Riley Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Elijah Riley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2020, following the conclusion of that year’s NFL Draft. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 3, 2020, but re-signed to the team’s practice squad three days later. He was elevated to the active roster on October 10 and again on October 17 for the Eagles’ Week 5 and Week 6 games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, respectively. On December 16, 2020, Riley was promoted to the Eagles’ active roster.
In 2021, Riley was waived by Philadelphia on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His time with the Eagles gave him valuable experience rotating between the practice squad and the active roster, building the foundation for his next opportunities in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2020–2021)
Riley’s first NFL chapter began in Philadelphia, where he served primarily as a practice squad contributor with occasional elevations to the active roster. He appeared in games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens during the 2020 season. His work on special teams and in the secondary helped him earn a promotion to the active roster late in the year.
The Eagles parted ways with Riley during the 2021 preseason, but his consistent availability on the practice squad kept him within the organization. That reliability set up his next move.
New York Jets Era (2021)
On November 9, 2021, Elijah Riley was signed by the New York Jets off the Eagles’ practice squad. During his brief stint with the Jets, he made seven starts, gaining meaningful defensive experience in the secondary. His time in New York showed he could handle a starting role at the NFL level.
Riley was released by the Jets on August 23, 2022, ending a short but productive tenure. He had made enough of an impression, however, to attract interest from another AFC North franchise.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2022–2023)
On August 24, 2022, Riley was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be waived again on August 30 before being signed to the practice squad the following day. He was elevated to the active or inactive roster from the practice squad on October 8, 2022, and then promoted to the active roster on December 24, 2022. His versatility on defense and special teams made him a valuable depth piece for Pittsburgh.
On November 20, 2023, Riley was placed on injured reserve, ending his active season briefly. He was activated on December 22, 2023, returning to contribute for the Steelers’ late-season push. His work in Pittsburgh further cemented his reputation as a reliable special teams player and rotational safety.
New York Giants Era (2024–Present)
On May 30, 2024, Elijah Riley signed with the New York Giants, joining the team as a depth safety and special teams contributor. His signing added experienced depth to the Giants’ secondary heading into training camp. However, on August 15, 2024, Riley was placed on injured reserve, putting his season in jeopardy before it fully began.
Despite the setback, Riley remains with the Giants organization. His familiarity with multiple defensive schemes across the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers has prepared him to contribute whenever called upon. He continues working toward returning to full health and competing for a roster spot.
Notable Events and Milestones
Elijah Riley’s career began with the distinction of being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Army, a rare path from a service academy to the NFL. He has appeared in games for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers, with seven starts during his time with the Jets standing out as a major milestone. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 62 career tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection in regular-season play.
Elijah Riley Career Wins
Elijah Riley has built his professional resume through consistency, special teams play, and rotational defensive snaps rather than through championship-level winning drives. His contributions have come across multiple franchises in the National Football League, including the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. His seven starts with the Jets remain a defining statistical note from his career to date.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2024 season, Riley has accumulated 62 career tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection in regular-season play. He has served as a key special teams performer for multiple franchises, including the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers. His career reflects steady progression as a depth safety and core special teams player.
Other Wins and Performances
Riley’s path from Army to the NFL is itself a notable achievement, considering the small number of West Point alumni who earn professional football opportunities. He has demonstrated the ability to move between practice squads and active rosters throughout his career. His continued presence on an NFL roster speaks to his durability and value in team defensive packages.
Elijah Riley Family
Family Background and Lineage
Elijah Riley was raised in Port Jefferson, New York, on Long Island, where he attended Newfield High School. Details about his parents and broader family background are not widely documented in public sources. His upbringing in a Long Island community shaped his disciplined approach to football and education.
Personal Life
Elijah Riley attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, an institution that prepares students for military service in addition to athletic competition. His commitment to Army reflects a tradition of service that extends beyond professional sports. Public details about his marital status and family life are limited.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Elijah Riley remains with the New York Giants organization after signing with the team on May 30, 2024. His placement on injured reserve on August 15, 2024, will influence his availability as he works toward full recovery. His experience with multiple defensive systems should help him compete for a roster spot when healthy.
Riley’s primary value to the Giants comes on special teams and as a rotational safety. He has consistently provided depth across his NFL stops, and his career statistics through 2024 show 62 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection. The 2025 season will be an important opportunity to re-establish himself on the field.
Outlook for the year centers on Riley’s recovery, his role within the Giants’ defensive scheme, and his continued impact on special teams units. With familiarity in the organization already established, he has a clear path back into a contributor’s role. His steady professional track record suggests he will remain a factor in the Giants’ plans throughout 2025.