Christian Elliss Bio
Christian Elliss (born January 2, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 231 pounds, Elliss has established himself as a versatile defender known for his special teams contributions and emerging as a reliable linebacker. He played college football for the Idaho Vandals from 2017 to 2020 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021. His career path reflects resilience, having spent time with four different NFL organizations before finding stability with the Patriots.
Early Life and Background
Christian Elliss was born on January 2, 1999, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to Luther and Rebecca Elliss. He grew up as the third-oldest among 12 children in a family deeply rooted in football. His father, Luther Elliss, played as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, providing Christian with early exposure to professional football and valuable mentorship in the sport.
Christian Elliss comes from an exceptionally athletic family. His older brother Kaden Elliss currently plays for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. Christian also has two other brothers, Noah and Jonah Elliss, who both play professional football in the NFL, making the Elliss family one of the most notable football families in the country.
Path to American Football
Elliss attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where he developed into a standout defensive player. During his senior year, he led his high school team to the state championship game and earned recognition as the South Metro co-Defensive Player of the Year. His performance at the high school level attracted attention from college programs, ultimately leading him to accept a scholarship offer from the University of Idaho.
At Idaho, Elliss began his college career as a true freshman in 2017, appearing in 11 games and recording 30 tackles with one interception. He worked his way into a starting position as a sophomore, playing all 11 games at middle linebacker and leading the team with 81 tackles, which earned him All-Big Sky honors. His senior season was moved to spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he finished his college career with 50 tackles in five games, earning first-team All-Big Sky recognition for the second consecutive season.
Christian Elliss Career
Early Career (2021)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Christian Elliss signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings on May 1, 2021. His time with the Vikings was brief, lasting only through training camp. He was released on August 23, 2021, after appearing in a preseason game where he was fined $3,731 for an unnecessary roughness penalty.
Following his release from Minnesota, Elliss began a journeyman path through the NFL practice squads. He was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on September 9, 2021, though he was released and re-signed multiple times throughout the season. On November 3, 2021, he joined the San Francisco 49ers practice squad but was released just a week later.
Philadelphia Eagles Tenure (2021–2023)
Elliss returned to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on November 24, 2021. He made his NFL debut on January 8, 2022, in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, recording three combined tackles in the 51-26 loss. The following day, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles, securing his place on the roster for the 2022 season.
During the 2022 season, Elliss was waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times before being elevated to the active roster for a Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans. He delivered a standout special teams performance, recording five total tackles and helping block for punt returner Britain Covey during a significant return. He was signed to the active roster on December 23, 2022, and finished that season with 11 total tackles across six games.
Elliss remained with the Eagles through the 2023 season but was waived on December 6, 2023, following the team’s signing of Shaquille Leonard. His Philadelphia tenure provided valuable experience and the opportunity to contribute on special teams and defense.
New England Patriots Era (2023–Present)
Christian Elliss was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on December 7, 2023, providing him with a fresh start and expanded role. When starting linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley suffered an injury, Elliss stepped into the starting lineup, making six starts and becoming a key contributor to the Patriots defense.
Throughout the 2024 season, Elliss recorded a career-high 80 tackles while adding 1.5 sacks, five passes defended, and his first career interception. His interception came during a game against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, showcasing his ability to make plays in coverage. His performance earned him recognition as a developing defensive player for the Patriots.
On March 24, 2025, the New England Patriots matched an offer sheet from the Las Vegas Raiders, retaining Elliss on a two-year contract worth $13.5 million. This contract extension demonstrated the team’s confidence in his abilities and secured his place as a core member of their linebacker corps. Elliss contributed three total tackles in Super Bowl LX, a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Christian Elliss has established himself as a versatile linebacker with strong instincts and physicality. His special teams ability has been a consistent strength throughout his career, making him valuable on multiple units. He reads plays well and pursues the ball with determination. His background as a middle linebacker in college provided him with a strong foundation in gap responsibility and run defense, while his time in the NFL has helped him develop as a coverage player.
Notable Events and Milestones
Elliss achieved several career milestones during his time with the Patriots. His first NFL start came during the 2024 season, representing a significant step in his development. The interception against Indianapolis highlighted his growing impact on defense. The $13.5 million contract matched by the Patriots in March 2025 marked the largest deal of his career and validated his progression from practice squad player to starting linebacker.
Christian Elliss Career Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, Christian Elliss has accumulated 211 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and eight pass deflections. His journey from undrafted free agent to starting linebacker with a significant contract reflects his persistence and continued development as a professional player.
New England Patriots Highlights
Elliss’ time with the Patriots represents his most productive stretch in the NFL. In the 2024 season, he set career highs with 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defended, and his first career interception. His six starts during Bentley’s absence demonstrated his capability to handle a full-time role in the defense. The 2025 season extension valued at $13.5 million stands as the pinnacle of his professional achievements.
Special Teams Excellence
Throughout his career, Elliss has been recognized for his special teams contributions. His standout performance against the Tennessee Titans in 2022, where he made five tackles and helped block for a punt returner, exemplifies his willingness to contribute in any role. His speed and tackling ability on special teams have made him a reliable asset for every team he has played for.
Christian Elliss Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Christian Elliss comes from one of the most accomplished football families in the United States. His father, Luther Elliss, played defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions from 1995 to 2005, establishing himself as a reliable NFL player and providing Christian with invaluable guidance throughout his football journey. The Elliss family’s football legacy continues through multiple generations.
The Elliss household has produced an extraordinary number of professional football players. Christian is one of four brothers who have reached the NFL, with Kaden playing for the New Orleans Saints, Noah and Jonah also playing professional football. Growing up with 12 children total, Christian learned the value of competition and hard work from an early age. The family’s collective success has made them a notable dynasty in American football.
Personal Life
Despite his busy NFL career, Christian Elliss maintains strong connections to his family and Michigan roots. He was raised alongside 11 siblings, creating a close-knit family environment that emphasized teamwork and mutual support. His relationship with his older brother Kaden, who also plays in the NFL, has provided both competition and camaraderie throughout their football careers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Christian Elliss’ career following his re-signing with the New England Patriots on a two-year, $13.5 million contract in March. The Patriots matched an offer sheet from the Las Vegas Raiders, demonstrating their commitment to keeping Elliss as a foundational piece of their defense. The contract represented a major milestone, reflecting the development of a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent.
During the 2025 season, Elliss continued his role as a starting linebacker for the Patriots defense. His contributions extended into Super Bowl LX, where he recorded three total tackles in the championship game against the Seattle Seahawks. While the Patriots fell short in the Super Bowl, Elliss’ performance throughout the season validated the team’s investment in him.
Looking ahead, Elliss appears positioned to remain a key contributor for the Patriots. His blend of special teams ability and defensive versatility makes him a valuable piece in the team’s linebacker rotation. At 27 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career and has the opportunity to build on his established foundation with a Patriots team working to return to championship contention.