Jonah Elliss Bio
Jonah Elliss (born April 3, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and listed at 246 lb (112 kg), he plays a physical edge-rushing style. Selected by Denver in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after a productive first season and is regarded as one of the league’s promising young pass rushers.
The son of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss, Jonah Elliss grew up in a deeply football-oriented family. He played college football for the Utah Utes, where he earned Consensus All-American honors in 2023 before making the jump to the professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
Jonah Elliss was born on April 3, 2003, in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Although born in Michigan, he was raised across several states, spending formative years in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho. The frequent relocations were tied to his father’s long NFL career and the family’s deep ties to the sport.
His father, Luther Elliss, is a former University of Utah standout who went on to play defensive tackle in the NFL for ten seasons, primarily with the Detroit Lions. Growing up around a professional football household gave Jonah an early understanding of the game’s demands, and the household became a training ground in its own right. Three of his brothers, Kaden, Christian, and Noah, also pursued football, and the family is reported to be the only set of four brothers to have played in the NFL.
Elliss attended Moscow Senior High School in Moscow, Idaho, where he developed into a highly regarded defensive prospect. As a senior, he was named the Inland Empire League Player of the Year, a recognition that helped establish his reputation as a player to watch at the next level.
Path to American Football
Coming out of high school, Elliss was rated a three-star recruit, a modest ranking that he would quickly outgrow. He committed to play college football at the University of Utah, following in the footsteps of his father, who had starred for the Utes before embarking on his own NFL career. The decision set the stage for one of the more compelling storylines in college football, as father and son would eventually share a sideline.
Elliss enrolled at Utah and immediately contributed as a freshman, playing in all 14 of the Utes’ games and recording 15 tackles. His trajectory continued upward, and by his sophomore season he had earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference recognition after posting 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Heading into his junior year, Elliss had transformed from a three-star recruit into one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the country, positioning himself for a jump to the NFL.
Jonah Elliss Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Elliss’s college career began in 2021 at the University of Utah, where he joined a competitive defensive line room. As a true freshman, he appeared in all 14 games, gaining valuable experience and recording 15 tackles while adjusting to the speed of the college game.
In 2022, his father Luther was hired by Utah as a position coach, creating a unique dynamic in which father and son worked together on the same defensive staff. That season, Elliss recorded 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference honors and laying the foundation for his breakout junior year.
Utah Utes Breakthrough (2023)
Elliss’s junior season at Utah represented his arrival as an elite college pass rusher. He earned Consensus All-American recognition, a rare honor that placed him among the top defenders in college football. He was also named First-team All-Pac-12, cementing his status as one of the conference’s premier defensive players.
The 2023 campaign drew heavy attention from NFL scouts, who watched as Elliss consistently disrupted opposing backfields. His production and athleticism convinced the Denver Broncos to invest a premium pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the third round, 76th overall.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
Elliss made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Denver Broncos. During the 2024 season, he recorded five sacks, the third-highest total among all rookies in the league. His disruptive play earned him a spot on the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team, a clear sign that Denver had found a foundational piece for its defense.
The 2024 campaign ended with a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, a game in which Elliss suffered a fractured scapula, an injury that would carry over into the following year. In 2025, his production dipped as he battled injuries throughout the season, finishing with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. A memorable moment came in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, when Elliss faced his brother Christian; the two embraced on the field after the game.
Entering the 2026 offseason, head coach Sean Payton announced that Elliss would begin taking significant snaps at inside linebacker rather than outside, signaling an expanded role and a new chapter in his development.
Driving Style and Strengths
Elliss is known for his quick first step, length, and relentless motor off the edge, traits that made him one of the most productive pass rushers in the Pac-12. He pairs physical strength with technical refinement, allowing him to win with both power and leverage at the point of attack. His development in Denver has been aided by a defensive staff that values versatility, an asset that will be increasingly important as he transitions to inside linebacker duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Elliss’s young career include his 2023 Consensus All-American selection at Utah, his third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and his third-place finish in sacks among all NFL rookies that same season. The 2024 Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills and the AFC Championship Game meeting with his brother Christian stand out as signature moments, both for their on-field stakes and personal significance.
Jonah Elliss Career Wins
Elliss’s professional win totals continue to grow as he develops within the Denver Broncos defense. While he has yet to reach a Pro Bowl or championship level, his rookie accolades and role expansion point to a player on the rise.
NFL Highlights
In his rookie NFL season, Elliss recorded five sacks, the third-highest total among all rookies in the league, and was named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team. His first NFL sack and his disruption of opposing backfields quickly established him as a key contributor to Denver’s defensive rotation.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Elliss earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023, in addition to his Consensus All-American distinction, recognition reserved for the most outstanding players in college football. He was also named the Inland Empire League Player of the Year during his senior season at Moscow Senior High School.
Jonah Elliss Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Football runs deep in the Elliss family. His father, Luther Elliss, played defensive tackle in the NFL for ten seasons and starred at the University of Utah before turning professional. Three of Jonah’s older brothers, Kaden, Christian, and Noah, also played football at the University of Idaho and have gone on to play in the NFL, making the family one of the most football-rich households in the country.
Personal Life
Jonah Elliss has been in a relationship with Kasey Wardle since 2021. The couple has been a steady presence throughout his college and early NFL career, and the family continues to support his development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a challenging one for Elliss, as injuries cut into his production following his promising rookie year. He finished the campaign with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection, a step back from his 2024 totals but still a meaningful contribution to Denver’s defense.
Despite the injury setbacks, Elliss remained a key part of the Broncos’ rotation and reached the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, where he faced his brother Christian in a moment that transcended the result. The experience offered a reminder of both his family ties and his standing within a competitive roster.
Looking ahead, head coach Sean Payton’s announcement that Elliss would take significant snaps at inside linebacker signals a new phase in his career. The expanded role could unlock fresh matchup opportunities and reaffirm his status as a foundational piece of Denver’s defense for years to come.
