Eli Ankou Bio
Eli Ankou (born June 8, 1994) is a Canadian professional football defensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Ankou played college football for the UCLA Bruins from 2012 to 2016 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Of Ojibwe descent through his mother, Ankou has established himself as a reliable rotational player along defensive lines throughout his professional career, having appeared in games for nine different NFL franchises.
Early Life and Background
Eli Ankou grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where he began developing his football skills at a young age. He attended St. Peter Catholic High School in Orleans, Ontario, playing for the Knights and showcasing the defensive talent that would eventually earn him a path to American college football. For his senior season, Ankou transferred to Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware, where he continued to refine his craft as a strong side defensive end.
Ankou comes from a diverse multicultural background. His mother, Nicole Bellefeuille, is of Ojibwe descent and a member of the Dokis First Nation in Ontario. His father, Adolphe Ankou, originally hails from the West African nation of Togo. This Indigenous heritage through his mother’s lineage has been an important part of Ankou’s identity throughout his life and football career.
Path to Professional Football
Eli Ankou accepted a football scholarship to play for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), joining the UCLA Bruins program. As a true freshman, Ankou did not appear in any games, and as a sophomore, he missed most of the season due to injury, appearing in only three games as a backup and making one tackle. His perseverance through early setbacks demonstrated the resilience that would characterize his professional career.
His junior season saw Ankou appear in all 13 games as a backup, recording five tackles including one tackle for loss. As a senior, he became a starter after teammate Eddie Vanderdoes suffered a season-ending right knee injury. Ankou appeared in 13 games with 11 starts, registering 47 tackles, which ranked ninth on the team, and recorded 5.5 tackles for loss. He finished his UCLA career with 38 games played (19 starts), 91 tackles including 8 for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
Eli Ankou Career
Houston Texans (2017)
Eli Ankou entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Houston Texans on May 12, 2017, following the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite impressing during the offseason program, Ankou was waived by the Texans on September 2, 2017, during final roster cuts. This initial experience with the Texans marked the beginning of what would become a journeyman career in the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2019)
On September 3, 2017, Ankou was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining a defensive unit that had finished the 2016 season as the league’s top-ranked defense. In his inaugural season with the Jaguars, Ankou appeared in nine games as a backup, posting 15 tackles including one tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two quarterback pressures. His performance demonstrated his ability to contribute as a rotation player on a playoff-caliber defense.
The 2018 season saw Ankou appear in only two games due to injury, recording four tackles. On September 1, 2019, the Jaguars waived Ankou, and he was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad on September 3, working to earn another opportunity with the organization.
Cleveland Browns (2019)
On October 22, 2019, Ankou was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He appeared in nine games with two starts for the Browns, tallying seven tackles including one tackle for loss. His mid-season acquisition provided defensive line depth during the stretch run of the regular season. The Browns waived Ankou on September 6, 2020, as part of their roster reduction process.
Indianapolis Colts and Return to Houston (2020)
Ankou was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on September 7, 2020. However, he was declared inactive during the first five weeks of the season and was waived by the Colts on October 17. He was then claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans on October 19, marking his return to the franchise that had originally signed him as an undrafted free agent. Ankou was placed on the exempt/commissioner permission list before being activated on October 26.
Dallas Cowboys (2020)
On November 2, 2020, Ankou was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Cowboys acquired Ankou to provide defensive line depth following the release of Dontari Poe and to address struggles against the run game. He appeared in seven games as a backup, recording five tackles and one quarterback pressure. Ankou was not re-signed by the Cowboys after the season concluded.
Atlanta Falcons (2021, 2023)
Ankou signed with the Atlanta Falcons on May 17, 2021, but was waived on June 17 during the early stages of training camp. He was re-signed by the Falcons on August 18, 2021, following a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills, and was waived again on August 31. In October 2023, Ankou returned to the Falcons for a third stint, signed off the Bills practice squad on October 4. He was released by Atlanta on October 24, 2023.
Buffalo Bills (2021-2024)
Ankou joined the Buffalo Bills on June 22, 2021, was waived in August, and returned via the practice squad on November 16, 2021. He played in six games that season, recording 10 tackles and one sack. He re-signed with the Bills in February 2022 and continued with the organization through multiple practice squad stints. Ankou signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo in January 2023. After being waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times, he signed another reserve/future contract in January 2024. Ankou was released during final roster cuts in August 2024, added back to the practice squad, and released again on December 19 before returning to the practice squad.
Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans (2021)
Following his initial departure from the Bills, Ankou was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on October 5, 2021. He was released by the Steelers on October 12. Later that month, on October 26, Ankou was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad but was released on November 1.
Eli Ankou Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning seven seasons from 2017 to 2024, Eli Ankou has appeared in games for nine different NFL franchises, demonstrating the versatility and persistence required to maintain a professional football career as a depth player. His ability to contribute across multiple defensive schemes has enabled him to continue playing at the highest level.
NFL Statistics Highlights
In his NFL career through the 2024 season, Ankou has recorded 49 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. His 2.5 career sacks include his 1.5 sacks recorded as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and an additional sack during his tenure with the Bills. While his tackle numbers reflect his role as a rotational player rather than a starter, his statistical contributions have been consistent with his responsibilities on defensive line units.
Eli Ankou Family
Family Background and Heritage
Eli Ankou’s multicultural background represents a significant aspect of his personal identity. Through his mother Nicole Bellefeuille, Ankou is of Ojibwe descent and maintains a connection to the Dokis First Nation, a First Nations reserve located in Ontario, Canada. This Indigenous heritage connects Ankou to a proud tradition and community, though he was raised in Ottawa rather than on the reserve.
Personal Life
Ankou has been in a relationship with American professional racing cyclist Shayna Powless since 2013, when the couple met while both attending UCLA. Powless has established herself as an accomplished cyclist competing at the professional level. As of 2021, Ankou and Powless were engaged to be married. Ankou maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Twitter account.
2025 Season Performance
Following his release by the Buffalo Bills in December 2024, Eli Ankou enters the 2025 season as a veteran free agent seeking an opportunity to continue his NFL career. At 30 years old, Ankou brings extensive experience from his seven seasons in the league, having appeared in games for nine different franchises and demonstrated the ability to contribute as a defensive tackle in various defensive systems. His track record of being claimed off waivers and signed to rosters and practice squads throughout his career indicates that teams value his experience and depth at the defensive line position.
Ankou’s persistence in continuing to play professional football despite the challenges of being a journeyman player speaks to his dedication to the sport. His ability to bounce back from releases and secure practice squad spots demonstrates his value as a reliable depth player who can step in and contribute when needed. Whether Ankou secures a roster spot with a new team or returns to a familiar franchise for the 2025 season, his experience and versatility provide him with opportunities in a league where veteran depth along the defensive line remains in demand.