Elijah Wilkinson

Elijah Wilkinson Bio

Elijah Wilkinson is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 10, 1995, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Wilkinson has built a durable NFL career spanning eight seasons since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He played college football for the UMass Minutemen and has been a member of four NFL franchises, earning starts at both offensive tackle and guard positions throughout his professional journey. Wilkinson has appeared in 96 career NFL games with 62 starts, demonstrating consistency and versatility along the offensive line.

Early Life and Background

Elijah Wilkinson grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he attended Downingtown West High School. His upbringing in the Philadelphia suburbs provided him with access to Pennsylvania’s competitive high school football environment. Wilkinson developed his skills as an offensive lineman during his high school years, catching the attention of college scouts with his size, footwork, and nastiness at the tackle position. He graduated from Downingtown West High School and continued his football career at the collegiate level.

Wilkinson’s journey to professional football began at the University of Massachusetts, where he played for the UMass Minutemen from 2013 to 2016. During his four seasons with the program, he developed into a formidable offensive tackle against Colonial Athletic Association and later FBS competition. His collegiate experience provided him with the technical foundation and competitive reps necessary to make the transition to the professional level, despite not hearing his name called during the 2017 NFL Draft.

Path to Professional Football

Despite going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Wilkinson’s talent and performance at UMass attracted attention from NFL teams seeking to add depth along their offensive lines. His combination of size, length, and mobility made him an intriguing prospect for teams running zone-blocking schemes. Wilkinson signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2017, officially beginning his professional football career. His journey from an undrafted rookie to a reliable NFL starter would test his resilience and adaptability.

The transition from college football to the NFL required Wilkinson to adjust to faster competition, more sophisticated defensive schemes, and the physical demands of professional play. He navigated the typical challenges faced by undrafted players, including roster uncertainty and the need to prove himself daily against established veterans. His opportunity came sooner than many expected, as he earned a promotion from the Broncos practice squad to the active roster midway through his rookie season.

Elijah Wilkinson Career

Denver Broncos (2017–2020)

Wilkinson signed with the Denver Broncos on May 11, 2017, shortly after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 2 but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, a common path for undrafted players seeking to prove their worth. His perseverance paid off when he received a promotion to the active roster on October 21, 2017, providing him with his first NFL game experience. The Broncos coaching staff recognized his potential and invested development time in the young offensive tackle.

Wilkinson’s role with the Broncos continued to grow over the following seasons. He signed a one-year restricted free agent tender on April 18, 2020, indicating the team valued his contributions. During the 2020 season, he started the first three games at right tackle before suffering a fractured shinbone that required placement on injured reserve on September 30. He was activated from injured reserve on November 21, demonstrating his resilience in recovering from the significant injury. Over four seasons with the Broncos, Wilkinson established himself as a capable NFL offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions along the line.

Chicago Bears (2021)

Following his tenure with the Broncos, Wilkinson sought a new opportunity with the Chicago Bears. He signed a one-year contract with the Bears on March 23, 2021, joining a franchise seeking to rebuild its offensive line. The move to Chicago provided Wilkinson with a chance to continue his NFL career while competing for a starting role in a different defensive division. His experience and versatility made him an attractive signing for a Bears team looking for reliable depth along the offensive line.

Atlanta Falcons (2022–Present)

Wilkinson joined the Atlanta Falcons on March 17, 2022, signing a one-year contract with the team. The Falcons coaching staff immediately recognized his abilities, naming him the starting left guard to begin the 2022 season. His transition from tackle to guard demonstrated his positional flexibility, a valuable trait in the NFL. Wilkinson started seven games before suffering an injury that required placement on injured reserve on November 5. He was activated from injured reserve on December 17, finishing the season with the Falcons.

Wilkinson returned to the Atlanta Falcons on August 30, 2024, signing with the team’s practice squad. His familiarity with the organization and coaching staff facilitated a smooth return to the franchise. He was promoted to the active roster on September 24, 2024, once again demonstrating his ability to contribute when called upon. Wilkinson’s return to Atlanta reflected his standing as a reliable veteran offensive lineman capable of filling multiple roles along the line.

Arizona Cardinals (2023)

Between his two stints with the Falcons, Wilkinson spent the 2023 season with the Arizona Cardinals. He signed with the Cardinals on April 5, 2023, joining a team in the early stages of a roster rebuild. The Cardinals named him their starting left guard entering the regular season, indicating their confidence in his abilities. However, Wilkinson was placed on injured reserve on October 28 due to a neck injury, ending his season prematurely. He was activated from injured reserve on December 16, completing his recovery from the concerning injury.

Wilkinson re-signed with the Cardinals on March 13, 2024, demonstrating the team’s continued interest in his services. However, he was released by Arizona as part of the team’s final roster cuts on August 27, leading to his eventual return to the Falcons. His time with the Cardinals showcased his ability to compete at a starting level in the NFL despite the challenges of injury.

Playing Style and Strengths

Wilkinson possesses the prototypical size for an NFL offensive lineman at 6 feet 5 inches and 310 pounds. His experience playing both tackle and guard provides his coaching staff with valuable positional flexibility when constructing offensive line rotations. His background in zone-blocking schemes from his time with the Broncos and his comfort in gap schemes with other teams demonstrates his schematic versatility. Wilkinson’s length allows him to control defenders in pass protection, while his footwork enables him to mirror quick edge rushers at tackle and generate movement in the running game from guard positions.

Notable Career Events

Wilkinson’s professional journey includes several notable milestones that highlight his durability and persistence. His promotion from the Broncos practice squad to the active roster in October 2017 marked his official entry into NFL regular season play. Starting the first three games of the 2020 season at right tackle represented his most significant early-career opportunity before his injury. His multiple position switches between tackle and guard throughout his career demonstrate the adaptability required to maintain an NFL roster over multiple seasons. Returning from significant injuries including a fractured shinbone and neck injury showcases his physical resilience.

Elijah Wilkinson Career Statistics

Wilkinson has accumulated substantial playing time throughout his NFL career, appearing in games across four different franchises. His 96 career game appearances and 62 starts reflect his consistent availability and the trust coaches have placed in him. His ability to remain a rotational and starting piece for multiple teams speaks to his reliability as a professional offensive lineman.

NFL Regular Season Statistics

Through the 2025 season, Wilkinson has played 96 career NFL games with 62 starts across his time with the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. His start percentage demonstrates he has been a regular contributor rather than a pure special teams player, earning his roster spots through offensive line performance. Wilkinson’s versatility shows in his starts coming at both tackle and guard positions with different teams.

Elijah Wilkinson Family

Family Background

Wilkinson was born and raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and attended Downingtown West High School in the area. His roots in southeastern Pennsylvania provided him with access to competitive youth and high school football programs known for developing college prospects. While detailed information about his parents and family background remains private, his athletic career suggests a supportive environment that fostered his development as a professional athlete.

Personal Life

Wilkinson is of Puerto Rican descent, making him part of the growing number of NFL players with Hispanic heritage. He maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses into his professional and personal life. His Instagram account provides followers with updates about his football career and daily activities. Wilkinson continues to reside in the United States as he progresses through his NFL career, with his professional schedule centered around his respective team’s facilities during the season.

2025 Season Performance

Wilkinson returned to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and continued his role with the team into the 2025 season. His experience and versatility provide valuable depth along the Falcons offensive line as the team develops its offense under its current coaching staff. Wilkinson’s knowledge of multiple blocking schemes and his ability to play both tackle and guard positions make him a flexible asset for a team that may face injuries along its offensive front throughout the season. His second tenure with the Falcons reflects his standing as a respected veteran in the league.

The Falcons’ offensive line composition entering 2025 includes Wilkinson as a potential starter or key reserve depending on training camp performance and health. His familiarity with the team’s terminology and culture from his 2022 season facilitates a smoother integration compared to typical mid-season acquisitions. As an older player in his ninth NFL season, Wilkinson’s leadership in the locker room complements his on-field contributions. The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Wilkinson to continue his durable NFL career while helping the Falcons compete in the NFC South division.