Elijah Chatman Bio
Elijah Chatman is an American professional football defensive end currently playing for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and joined the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Chatman was born on December 5, 2000, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is the youngest of four siblings and began playing football at the age of six. From a young age, Chatman demonstrated remarkable physical strength, reportedly able to lift 225 pounds with slight difficulty while in seventh grade.
He attended Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, where he excelled as a lineman. During his senior year, he earned honors including LSWA Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, first-team all-state, and district most valuable player. Academically, Chatman was a top student with a 3.9 GPA and set school records in the bench press, lifting up to 475 pounds.
Path to American Football
Chatman was a three-star recruit and ranked among the Shreveport Times Top 10 high school football players. He committed to play college football for the SMU Mustangs, where he developed his skills primarily as a defensive lineman. His early achievements in high school and physical prowess set the stage for his collegiate career.
Elijah Chatman Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
At SMU, Chatman appeared in 11 games as a freshman in 2019, recording 11 tackles and half a sack while earning American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Academic honors. He became a starter in the 2020 season, posting 25 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3 sacks. Over the next seasons, he continued to improve, earning second-team All-AAC honors in 2021 and 2022.
By 2022, Chatman was recognized for his exceptional athleticism, including a bench press of 495 pounds and 42 consecutive reps at 225 pounds, a rare feat among NFL prospects. He was featured on Bruce Feldman’s “freaks” list of the most athletic college football players. In 2023, he was selected first-team All-AAC after starting 11 games and recording 33 tackles, 9 tackles-for-loss, and 5.5 sacks. He finished his college career with 148 tackles, 34 tackles-for-loss, and 13.5 sacks, ranking second in school history for games played with 60.
New York Giants Era (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Elijah Chatman signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. He impressed during training camp and was among the 53 players to make the Giants’ initial regular season roster. In Week 3 of the 2024 season, Chatman recorded his first career sack against the Cleveland Browns.
In August 2025, Chatman was waived during final roster cuts but was promptly re-signed to the Giants’ practice squad, continuing his professional development with the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Elijah Chatman is known for his exceptional strength and athleticism on the defensive line. His ability to bench press heavy weights and maintain endurance contributes to his power in pass rushing and run defense. His versatility includes experience at fullback in college, showcasing his adaptability and team-first approach.
Notable Events and Milestones
Chatman’s first NFL sack in 2024 marked a significant milestone early in his professional career. His college achievements, including multiple All-AAC selections and a place on the “freaks” list, highlight his unique combination of strength and athleticism.
Elijah Chatman Career Wins
While defensive ends do not accumulate traditional wins, Elijah Chatman’s career is marked by significant individual achievements and contributions to team defensive success at both the collegiate and professional levels.
College Highlights
Chatman earned first-team All-AAC honors in 2023 and second-team All-AAC in 2021 and 2022. He consistently started games throughout his college career, demonstrating durability and high performance. His 13.5 sacks and 34 tackles-for-loss over his collegiate tenure underscore his impact on defense.
Professional Highlights
Making the New York Giants’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2024 and recording his first NFL sack are key early highlights in Chatman’s professional career.
Elijah Chatman Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Elijah Chatman is the youngest of four siblings. Further details about his family background are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Information regarding Elijah Chatman’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Elijah Chatman remains with the New York Giants on the practice squad after being waived during final roster cuts. His continued presence in the organization reflects the team’s interest in his development. The season offers opportunities for Chatman to refine his skills and compete for a spot on the active roster.
His physical attributes and prior performance suggest potential for growth as a defensive end. The Giants’ coaching staff and defensive scheme will play key roles in his progression during the 2025 campaign.