Ellis Merriweather Bio
Ellis Merriweather is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). Born on April 7, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia, Merriweather attended Alpharetta High School in Georgia before launching his college football career at Garden City Community College and later transferring to the University of Massachusetts. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the New Orleans Saints and has since built his professional career through stints with the Green Bay Packers and multiple UFL teams. Known for his physical running style and ability to gain yards after contact, Merriweather has continued to develop as a professional while contributing on special teams and in offensive packages.
Early Life and Background
Ellis Merriweather grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Alpharetta High School. During his high school career, he established himself as a versatile offensive weapon, rushing for 556 yards and six touchdowns while also catching ten receptions for 77 yards. His dual-threat ability at the high school level demonstrated the skill set that would carry him into the next phase of his football journey. Merriweather’s performance at Alpharetta earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
After graduating from Alpharetta High School, Merriweather committed to play college football at Garden City Community College in Kansas. The junior college path allowed him to develop his skills against competition that would prepare him for the demands of major college football. His time at Garden City provided the foundation for his eventual transition to the NCAA Division I level.
College Career at Garden City Community College
Merriweather spent two seasons with the Garden City Broncbusters, where he proved to be a reliable workhorse in the backfield. Across 18 games, he accumulated 910 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, displaying the consistency that would become a hallmark of his playing style. His performance at the junior college level attracted attention from programs seeking an experienced running back capable of contributing immediately.
The success Merriweather achieved at Garden City demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload while maintaining production. His yards per carry average showed his capability to be efficient between the tackles, setting the stage for his transition to the Football Championship Subdivision level.
Transfer to UMass and Breakthrough
Following his sophomore season at Garden City, Merriweather transferred to the University of Massachusetts to play for the UMass Minutemen. His debut season in 2020 showed flashes of his potential, recording 115 rushing yards and one reception for four yards. The transition to the higher level of competition required adjustment, but Merriweather steadily improved as the season progressed.
His breakout campaign came in the 2021 season when Merriweather emerged as the centerpiece of the UMass offense. He carried the ball 218 times for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over five yards per carry. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 22 passes for 165 yards and another touchdown. The 2021 season established Merriweather as one of the more productive running backs in the conference.
Merriweather continued his strong play through the 2022 season, finishing with 150 carries for 575 yards and three touchdowns, along with eight receptions for 48 yards. Over his entire UMass career, he totaled 410 carries for 1,828 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, complemented by 31 receptions for 217 yards and a receiving touchdown. His cumulative statistics reflected his durability and consistency across multiple seasons at the Division I level.
Ellis Merriweather Professional Career
New Orleans Saints (2023)
After not hearing his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft, Merriweather signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. The opportunity to compete for a roster spot with an established NFL franchise provided him with the platform to prove his professional viability. He reported to training camp with the Saints working to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Merriweather was waived during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but was immediately re-signed to the practice squad. His tenure with the Saints practice squad proved brief, as he was released the following day. The experience provided valuable exposure to NFL offensive schemes and the competitive environment of professional football, even if his time on the roster was limited.
Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
Merriweather joined the Green Bay Packers organization on November 6, 2023, signing to their practice squad. The opportunity to learn within the Packers system, known for developing offensive talent, offered a constructive path forward in his professional development. His performance during the latter portion of the 2023 season earned him consideration for a future contract.
On January 22, 2024, Merriweather signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers, indicating the team’s interest in his long-term potential. He returned to Green Bay for the 2024 season, competing for a more prominent role in the backfield. On August 27, 2024, the Packers released Merriweather before re-signing him to the practice squad. He remained on the practice squad until December 24, when the team placed him on practice squad injured reserve, ending his 2024 season.
Houston Roughnecks and Dallas Renegades (2025–Present)
Following his release from the Packers injured reserve list, Merriweather joined the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League on September 2, 2025. The UFL provided him with an opportunity to play professional football while continuing to develop his skills in a competitive environment. His experience in both the NFL and collegiate levels positioned him as a valuable addition to the Roughnecks roster.
In the 2026 UFL Draft on January 13, Merriweather was selected by the Dallas Renegades. The selection represented a new chapter in his professional career, joining a franchise that competes in the spring football league. His trajectory through multiple organizations demonstrates his resilience and commitment to establishing himself as a professional football player.
Playing Style and Strengths
Merriweather operates as a between-the-tackles runner who possesses the vision to identify running lanes and the physicality to finish runs. His college production at both Garden City and UMass reflects his ability to handle significant carries while maintaining effectiveness. Standing at six feet one inch and weighing 220 pounds, he carries the size necessary to contribute on short-yardage situations and in goal-line packages. His experience as a receiver out of the backfield adds a dimension to his game that appeals to offensive coordinators seeking backs who can stay on the field in multiple personnel groupings.
Ellis Merriweather Career Statistics
Merriweather compiled impressive rushing statistics across his collegiate career before transitioning to professional football. His junior college career saw him average approximately 50 yards per game, while his three seasons at the Division I level resulted in over 1,800 career rushing yards. Professional stints with NFL organizations and UFL teams have provided ongoing opportunities to refine his craft.
College Career Highlights
At Garden City Community College, Merriweather rushed for 910 yards and ten touchdowns across 18 games, establishing himself as a productive back at the junior college level. His transition to UMass saw him post his best statistical season in 2021, when he rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns while adding 165 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. His 2020 season featured a 171-yard performance against UConn that helped UMass secure their first win of the season. Throughout his collegiate career, Merriweather demonstrated durability by appearing in every game across multiple seasons.
Professional Career Path
Since entering professional football as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Merriweather has continued building his career through practice squad stints and UFL opportunities. His time with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers provided valuable NFL-level experience and exposure to professional offensive systems. The transition to the UFL with the Houston Roughnecks and subsequent selection by the Dallas Renegades represents his continued pursuit of a professional football career.
Ellis Merriweather Family and Personal Life
Details regarding Ellis Merriweather’s family background and personal relationships remain private. He has not publicly disclosed information about parents, siblings, or significant others. His professional focus and career trajectory suggest a commitment to football development while maintaining boundaries around his personal life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Merriweather as he joined the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League. Following his time on Green Bay’s practice squad injured reserve, the opportunity to play professional football with the Roughnecks provided him with immediate game action. The UFL season allowed him to showcase the skills developed during his NFL practice squad tenure while competing against professional-level competition. His experience in offensive systems from both college and NFL environments positioned him as a versatile option for the Roughnecks backfield.
Merriweather’s performance with Houston demonstrated his ability to be an effective between-the-tackles runner while also contributing in the passing game. The spring football league schedule provided regular-season games that allowed him to accumulate carries and build chemistry with teammates. His professional approach and work ethic, developed through his journey from junior college to the NFL, translated into consistent effort during practices and games.
Following the 2025 season, Merriweather’s selection by the Dallas Renegades in the 2026 UFL Draft indicated continued interest from professional teams in his abilities. The opportunity to join a new organization presented fresh challenges and the chance to compete for a larger role with a different franchise. Looking ahead, Merriweather aims to establish himself as a reliable contributor in the UFL while maintaining the versatility that has characterized his career thus far.