Elijah Dotson Bio
Elijah Dotson is an American professional football running back who has built his career through determination and consistent performance at both the collegiate and professional levels. Born in Sacramento, California, Dotson emerged as a standout running back during his college years at Sacramento State and Northern Colorado, earning multiple All-Conference honors before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His professional journey has seen him sign with the Los Angeles Chargers and later continue his career with the Atlanta Falcons, demonstrating his resilience in pursuing opportunities at the highest levels of American football.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Dotson grew up in Sacramento, California, where he began his football journey playing Pop Warner football for the Jr. Foothill Mustangs. This early exposure to the sport helped develop his foundational skills and passion for the game. Dotson attended Antelope High School in Antelope, California, where he continued to hone his abilities as a running back, setting the stage for his future collegiate career.
Path to American Football
After completing high school at Antelope High School, Dotson pursued his college football career at Sacramento State University. He played for the Sacramento State Hornets from 2017 to 2021, where he established himself as a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. His impressive performances at the FCS level caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he later transferred to the Northern Colorado Bears for his final season in 2022, continuing to showcase his talent against higher competition.
Elijah Dotson Career
College Career (2017–2022)
During his time at Sacramento State, Dotson emerged as one of the most productive running backs in the Big Sky Conference. He earned First-team All-Big Sky honors in both 2018 and 2019, demonstrating his consistency and excellence at the FCS level. His standout 2019 season was particularly impressive, as he was named HERO Sports Second Team All-America, solidifying his reputation as an elite collegiate running back. Dotson’s combination of speed, vision, and durability made him a reliable offensive weapon throughout his college career.
Los Angeles Chargers (2023)
Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dotson’s collegiate success earned him an opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. He appeared in four games during his rookie season, contributing primarily on special teams and as a backup running back. The Chargers waived Dotson on December 2, 2023, but quickly re-signed him to their practice squad on December 5, 2023, indicating their continued interest in his development. Dotson ultimately signed a reserve/future contract with Los Angeles on January 11, 2024, securing his spot on the roster heading into the 2024 season.
Atlanta Falcons (2024–2025)
On December 3, 2024, Dotson signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, providing him with a fresh opportunity to continue his NFL career. He signed another reserve-future contract with the Falcons on January 6, 2025, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his abilities. During his time with the Falcons organization, Dotson worked to establish himself as a reliable depth player in the running back rotation while contributing on special teams units. The Falcons waived Dotson on August 23, 2025, as part of their final roster reductions, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Orlando Storm (2026–Present)
Following his release from the Falcons, Dotson continued his professional football career by signing with the Orlando Storm of the United Football League on January 21, 2026. This move to the UFL provides Dotson with another opportunity to showcase his talents and potentially earn a return to the NFL. The UFL serves as a valuable platform for players seeking to continue their football careers and attract attention from NFL franchises.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Dotson has displayed the traits of a complete running back. His vision allows him to identify gaps in the defensive line, while his quick acceleration enables him to exploit holes effectively. At the collegiate level, Dotson demonstrated excellent balance and the ability to break tackles, making him a reliable option in both rushing and receiving situations. His experience playing in multiple offensive systems at Sacramento State and Northern Colorado prepared him for the diverse challenges of professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Dotson’s most significant career milestone remains his recognition as a HERO Sports Second Team All-American in 2019, an honor that highlighted his status as one of the top FCS running backs in the country. His transition from FCS football to the NFL represented a major achievement, and his ability to land contracts with multiple NFL organizations demonstrates the respect he has earned throughout his football journey. Each opportunity at the professional level has served as a building block in his ongoing development as a player.
Elijah Dotson Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career, Dotson has accumulated limited but notable statistics in the NFL. His experience playing in regular-season games has provided him with valuable film and experience that will aid his continued development as a professional running back.
NFL Career Stats
During his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, Dotson appeared in four games. He recorded 6 rushing yards on 4 carries, averaging 1.5 yards per attempt. Additionally, he caught 2 passes for 13 receiving yards, demonstrating his versatility as a potential receiving option out of the backfield. These statistics, while modest, represent the beginning of his professional career and the foundation upon which he continues to build.
College Achievements
Dotson’s collegiate career stands as the most decorated portion of his football journey. His two First-team All-Big Sky selections in 2018 and 2019 underscore his sustained excellence at the FCS level. The HERO Sports Second Team All-America honor he earned in 2019 represents the pinnacle of his collegiate achievements, validating his status as an elite collegiate running back and opening doors to professional opportunities.
| Competition Level | Years | Notable Honors |
|---|---|---|
| College (Sacramento State) | 2017–2021 | First-team All-Big Sky (2018, 2019), HERO Sports Second Team All-America (2019) |
| College (Northern Colorado) | 2022 | Continued development |
| NFL (Chargers/Falcons) | 2023–2025 | 4 games played, 6 rushing yards, 2 receptions |
Family
Specific details regarding Elijah Dotson’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or family racing lineage, are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. As such, this information remains private and outside the scope of verified public records.
Personal Life
Elijah Dotson maintains a public presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his football career. He completed his collegiate education at Antelope High School before earning degrees from both Sacramento State University and the University of Northern Colorado. His journey through multiple college programs demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to pursuing every available opportunity to advance his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Dotson as he joined the Atlanta Falcons organization. Signed to the practice squad in December 2024 and later earning a reserve-future contract in January 2025, Dotson worked diligently during the offseason and training camp to earn a spot on the active roster. His performance in OTAs and preseason activities reflected his continued development as a professional running back.
Throughout the 2025 season, Dotson served primarily as depth at the running back position while contributing on special teams. His experience from previous NFL stints with the Chargers provided him with valuable knowledge of professional offensive schemes and team expectations. The competition for roster spots remained intense, and Dotson’s work ethic and versatility kept him in consideration for expanded roles.
Following his release from the Falcons in August 2025, Dotson faced a pivotal moment in his career. Rather than stepping away from football, he pursued the opportunity to continue playing professionally with the Orlando Storm in the United Football League. This decision reflects Dotson’s dedication to the sport and his belief in his ability to compete at a high level. The UFL provides him with a platform to showcase his skills while maintaining his connection to professional football.