Kaden Elliss Bio
Kaden Elliss (born July 10, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his versatility and toughness, Elliss has played for both the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons since entering the league in 2019. The son of former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss, he grew up in a deeply football-oriented family that shaped his path to the professional ranks.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds, Elliss built his reputation as a hard-hitting, reliable defender during his college years with the Idaho Vandals. After being drafted by the Saints in 2019, he developed into a dependable linebacker before signing a major deal with the Falcons in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Kaden Elliss was born on July 10, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to parents Luther Elliss and Rebecca Elliss. He was raised in a large family as one of twelve children, an upbringing that helped instill the discipline and competitive spirit that would later define his football career. His Samoan heritage has also been a meaningful part of his identity, with family and faith serving as cornerstones of his life.
Elliss attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, where he first made a name for himself as a talented linebacker. His father, Luther Elliss, had a long NFL career as a defensive tackle, primarily with the Detroit Lions, giving Kaden an early and intimate understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional football. Surrounded by brothers who also pursued the sport, Kaden grew up in a household where football was a daily conversation.
His Christian faith has played a central role in shaping his character. Elliss has spoken publicly about how his beliefs guide his decisions both on and off the field, describing his faith as the most important part of his life. This grounding has helped him navigate the challenges of a demanding professional career.
Path to Professional Football
Following high school, Elliss committed to the University of Idaho, where he played college football for the Idaho Vandals from 2014 to 2018. During his time in Moscow, Idaho, he developed into one of the most physical linebackers in the Sun Belt Conference. His play earned him Second-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2017, a recognition that helped elevate his profile heading into his senior season.
Elliss’s college production, combined with his pedigree as the son of a former NFL player, made him an intriguing prospect for professional teams. His three younger brothers, Christian, Noah, and Jonah, also pursued football at competitive levels, with several going on to play professionally. This family pipeline to the NFL reinforced Kaden’s drive to reach the league himself.
After completing his college career, Elliss prepared for the 2019 NFL Draft, where his combination of size, instincts, and football IQ caught the attention of several teams looking to add depth at the linebacker position.
Kaden Elliss Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
The New Orleans Saints selected Kaden Elliss in the seventh round, 244th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the 30th linebacker taken in that year’s draft. On May 10, 2019, the Saints signed Elliss to a four-year, $2.59 million contract that included a signing bonus of $76,316, giving him an opportunity to compete for a role on the defensive depth chart.
During his first training camp, Elliss battled for a roster spot as a backup linebacker against players such as Vince Biegel, Porter Gustin, and Josh Martin. Head coach Sean Payton named him the primary backup middle linebacker behind starter Alex Anzalone to open the regular season. His rookie year was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on September 25, 2019. In 2020, Elliss was briefly placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list before being activated the following day, navigating the unique challenges of that pandemic-era season.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–2025)
On March 13, 2023, the Atlanta Falcons signed Kaden Elliss to a three-year, $21.50 million contract that included $10.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.25 million. The deal marked a significant step up for Elliss and reflected his emergence as a starting-caliber linebacker in the NFL.
With the Falcons, Elliss took on an expanded role and became a fixture in the defensive game plan. Through the 2025 season, he had accumulated 481 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions across his NFL career. His production in Atlanta helped cement his reputation as one of the more impactful linebackers in the league during this stretch.
His time with the Falcons showcased his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the defense, from rushing the passer to dropping into coverage. Elliss’s versatility made him a valuable asset for the Falcons’ defensive schemes, and his steady play earned him a place among the team’s most reliable defenders.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although best known for his work as a linebacker, Elliss has built his game around physicality, instincts, and versatility. He is effective against the run, capable of pressuring the passer, and reliable in coverage situations. His football intelligence, sharpened by years of growing up in a football family, allows him to read plays quickly and put himself in position to make tackles.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Elliss’s career came when he signed his major contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, a deal that validated his development since being a seventh-round pick. Reaching 20.5 career sacks as a linebacker further underscored his value as a pass-rushing presence, while his accumulation of 481 total tackles highlighted his consistency as a tackler.
Kaden Elliss Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Kaden Elliss has built a strong résumé as a tackling machine and pass-rushing linebacker. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 481 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions. These numbers reflect his all-around impact on the defensive side of the ball.
NFL Highlights
Elliss’s most significant professional achievements include his Second-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2017 during his college career at Idaho. In the NFL, his progression from a seventh-round draft pick to a multi-year, $21.50 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons stands as a testament to his work ethic and on-field production.
His career totals through 2025, including 20.5 sacks and 481 tackles, demonstrate his consistency and durability across multiple seasons in one of the most physically demanding positions in football.
Other Performances
Beyond his statistical production, Elliss has been recognized for his leadership and team-first mentality throughout his professional career. His transition from backup linebacker with the Saints to a prominent role with the Falcons highlighted his ability to grow and adapt within different defensive systems.
Kaden Elliss Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kaden Elliss comes from one of the most football-rich families in the sport. His father, Luther Elliss, was a defensive tackle in the NFL, most notably with the Detroit Lions, and his mother is Rebecca Elliss. Kaden is one of twelve children, and the family’s deep football roots have produced multiple professional players across generations.
Three of Kaden’s younger brothers also pursued football at high levels. Christian and Noah both played at the University of Idaho and went on to play in the NFL, while his younger brother Jonah played at the University of Utah and has been associated with the Denver Broncos. This family legacy has been a major motivating force throughout Kaden’s career.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kaden Elliss is a Christian who has spoken openly about the importance of his faith in his life. He has described his beliefs as the foundation of who he is, both as a player and as a person. Of Samoan descent, Elliss carries his cultural and family heritage with pride as he continues his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NFL season, Kaden Elliss continued his role as a key contributor for the Atlanta Falcons. His production as both a tackler and a pass-rusher remained consistent with his career trajectory, reinforcing his value as one of the team’s defensive leaders. By the end of the 2025 campaign, his career totals included 481 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 14 pass deflections.
Elliss’s versatility allowed the Falcons’ defense to deploy him in a variety of situations, from traditional linebacker alignments to specialized pass-rushing packages. His experience and football IQ made him a steadying presence on a defense looking to compete in a competitive NFC South.
Looking ahead, Elliss’s performance through 2025 positioned him as a player capable of continuing to impact games at a high level. His track record of durability and production suggested he would remain a central figure in his team’s defensive plans going forward.
