Elijah Blue Klein Bio
Elijah Blue Klein (born April 8, 2000) is an American professional football offensive guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UTEP Miners and was selected by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Klein brings extensive experience as a four-year starter in college, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2023 before beginning his professional football career.
Early Life and Background
Klein was born on April 8, 2000, in Pomona, California. He was raised in Mount Baldy, California. He attended Upland High School in Upland, California, where he played two years on the varsity football team. Klein demonstrated his talent as an offensive lineman early on, earning first-team All-Baseline League recognition as a senior. His strong high school performance established him as a promising prospect at the next level.
Despite being rated as a two-star recruit coming out of high school, Klein attracted attention from college programs seeking dedicated offensive linemen. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Texas at El Paso, committing to play for the UTEP Miners. This decision set him on the path toward professional football.
Path to American Football
Klein arrived at UTEP in 2018 and immediately earned a spot in the starting lineup. He became a starter on the offensive line as a true freshman, appearing in eight games with six starts at right guard. He redshirted during his first season to preserve a year of eligibility while still gaining valuable game experience. This early playing time proved instrumental in his development as a collegiate athlete.
He built upon his freshman campaign with consistent performances in subsequent seasons. Klein started all eight games at right guard in 2020, establishing himself as a reliable anchor on the offensive line. He earned honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition in both 2021 and 2022 while continuing to start the majority of games at his position.
His most impressive collegiate season came in 2023, when Klein started 12 games and earned first-team All-Conference USA honors, the highest recognition of his college career. He finished his UTEP tenure having started 55 games over five seasons, demonstrating exceptional durability and consistency. Klein received an invitation to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl, where he competed against top college players. Although he was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, his film and collegiate performance attracted attention from professional scouts.
Elijah Blue Klein Career
Early Career (2024)
Klein was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round with the 220th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This selection marked his transition from collegiate football to the professional ranks. Being drafted by an established NFL franchise gave him the opportunity to compete against the best players in the world. He joined a Buccaneers organization with a strong offensive line tradition.
During his rookie season, Klein adjusted to the speed, physicality, and complexity of professional football. He appeared in 26 games during the 2024 season while earning valuable experience in the league. His development included learning from veteran offensive linemen and coaching staff who helped him refine his technique.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2024–Present)
Klein began building his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. During his rookie season, he appeared in 26 games with 1 start, demonstrating his ability to contribute on special teams and as a depth player along the offensive line. This playing time provided him with the foundation for continued growth in the professional ranks.
Heading into the 2025 season, Klein returned to the Buccaneers’ roster seeking to build upon his rookie year experience. He participated in the offseason program and training camp with a full understanding of the NFL playbook. His combination of youth, collegiate durability, and professional seasoning positioned him as a player with potential for increased responsibilities.
The coaching staff continued to evaluate Klein throughout the offseason and into the regular season, assessing his progress and potential for expanded roles. His work ethic and adaptability remained key factors in his development trajectory with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Klein possesses the physical attributes necessary for the offensive guard position, standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 319 pounds. His frame allows him to control defensive linemen at the point of attack. His experience starting 55 games at UTEP demonstrates his durability and football intelligence. His consistency over multiple seasons reflects his reliability as an offensive lineman capable of handling significant workloads.
Notable Milestones
Klein’s first major milestone came in 2023 when he earned first-team All-Conference USA recognition at UTEP. His selection to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl provided additional exposure to NFL decision-makers. Being drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his journey from high school player to professional athlete.
Elijah Blue Klein Career Highlights
Throughout his football career, Klein has accumulated notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His consistent performance at UTEP culminating in conference honors established his reputation as a reliable offensive lineman. His transition to the NFL brought new challenges and opportunities for growth at the highest level of the sport.
College Highlights
At UTEP from 2018 to 2023, Klein started 55 games across five seasons, showcasing exceptional durability at the right guard position. His first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career. He also earned honorable mention All-Conference USA in both 2021 and 2022, demonstrating sustained excellence. His invitation to the 2024 East–West Shrine Bowl further validated his status among top collegiate offensive linemen.
Professional Highlights
During his rookie season with the Buccaneers in 2024, Klein appeared in 26 games, establishing himself as a valuable member of the roster. This experience provided a foundation for his continued development in the NFL. His active status with the team entering the 2025 season indicates the organization’s confidence in his potential.
2025 Season Performance
Klein returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2025 season, aiming to build upon his rookie year experience. With a full offseason of NFL training under his belt, he entered training camp with improved knowledge of professional expectations. The coaching staff evaluated his progress during the offseason program to determine his potential role moving forward.
The 2025 season presented Klein with opportunities to demonstrate on-field improvements developed during his first professional offseason. His collegiate track record of durability combined with professional experience made him a player the Buccaneers continued to invest in developing. He competed for increased responsibilities along the offensive line throughout the season.
His continued presence on the Buccaneers’ active roster reflected the team’s belief in his long-term potential as an NFL offensive lineman. As the 2025 season progressed, Klein sought to establish himself as a more consistent contributor while refining his technique at the professional level. The organization remained committed to his development as they evaluated his progress week by week.