Jake Elliott Bio
Jake Daniel Elliott is an American professional football placekicker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Elliott was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship team against the New England Patriots, making a significant impact as a kicker. He holds the record for the longest field goal by a rookie in NFL history at 61 yards and was also part of the Eagles’ winning team in Super Bowl LIX, converting all four of his field goal attempts in that game.
Early Life and Background
Jake Elliott was born on January 21, 1995, in Western Springs, Illinois, to Bruce and Diane Elliott. He showed early athletic promise, excelling in various sports, including baseball, basketball, and tennis. Elliott was recognized as one of the best youth tennis players in the state. He attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois, where he began playing football after an assistant coach noticed his talent during a Homecoming field goal kicking contest. Before focusing on football, he played tennis for three years. During his junior season, Elliott gained recognition as an ESPNHS underclassman and was named First-team All-State by the Chicago Tribune. He made a memorable 52-yard field goal to win a game against Oak-Park River Forest High School and was named Second-team kicker for Kohl’s All America List in his senior year. After high school, he received offers from the University of North Dakota and the University of Memphis, ultimately choosing to play for the Memphis Tigers.
Path to American Football
Elliott played college football at the University of Memphis from 2013 to 2016. Under the guidance of head coaches Justin Fuente, Darrell Dickey, and Mike Norvell, he quickly established himself as a standout kicker. As a freshman, he became the starting kicker and connected on 16 of 18 field goals, leading the team in scoring. He set a Memphis record with a 56-yard field goal, surpassing the previous record held by NFL kicker Stephen Gostkowski. In his sophomore year, Elliott led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in scoring and was named First-team All-Conference and Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. His junior season saw him convert all 63 extra point attempts and 23 of 28 field goals, leading the conference in scoring once again. In his senior year, he continued his success, converting 21 of 26 field goals and maintaining a perfect record on extra points. By the end of his college career, Elliott ranked first in total points, extra points, and field goals in Memphis history.
Jake Elliott Career
Early Career (2017)
Jake Elliott was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, becoming the first of three kickers chosen that year. He competed for the starting kicker position but was waived after the Bengals decided to go with veteran Randy Bullock. Shortly after, he was re-signed to the practice squad. On September 12, 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Elliott off the Bengals’ practice squad after their starting kicker, Caleb Sturgis, was placed on injured reserve. Elliott made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, successfully converting both extra point attempts and two out of three field goals.
Breakthrough (2017-2021)
Elliott’s breakout moment came in Week 3 of the 2017 season when he kicked a 61-yard field goal against the New York Giants, which was tied for the seventh-longest field goal in NFL history at that time. This kick not only secured a victory for the Eagles but also established him as a reliable kicker. Throughout the 2017 season, he contributed significantly to the Eagles’ success, including a crucial performance in Super Bowl LII, where he made all three of his field goal attempts, helping the team secure its first Super Bowl title. In 2021, Elliott was named to his first Pro Bowl, showcasing his growth and consistency as a top kicker in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Elliott’s signature work includes his performance in Super Bowl LII, where he made a pivotal 46-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He has also been recognized for his accuracy, setting a record for the longest field goal by a rookie in NFL history and being named to the Pro Bowl in 2021.
Jake Elliott Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jake Elliott has received several nominations and accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and earning Second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.
Jake Elliott Awards Won
Jake Elliott has achieved notable awards, including two Super Bowl Championships (LII and LIX), Second-team All-Pro in 2023, and the AAC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
Jake Elliott Family
Jake Elliott is married to Annie, and the couple welcomed their son in 2023.
Personal Life
Elliott married Annie on March 8, 2020. They welcomed their son on July 29, 2023. Elliott maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his professional career.
