Jonah Elliss Bio
Jonah Elliss (born April 3, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Selected in the third round (76th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Broncos, Elliss quickly made a name for himself as a promising young linebacker. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2024 after recording five sacks during his debut professional season. Elliss comes from a distinguished football family as the son of former NFL player Luther Elliss and one of four brothers to have played in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Jonah Elliss was born on April 3, 2003, in Rochester Hills, Michigan. He was raised in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho, which exposed him to diverse football environments during his formative years. He attended Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho, where he developed into a standout football player. As a senior, Elliss was named the Inland Empire League Player of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performance on the field.
Despite his obvious talent, Elliss received a three-star recruiting rating from major college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Utah, committing to play for the Utah Utes beginning in 2021.
Path to the NFL
Football runs deep in the Elliss family bloodline. Jonah’s father, Luther Elliss, played defensive tackle in the NFL for 10 seasons, primarily with the Detroit Lions from 1995 to 2005. Luther established himself as a durable and productive defender during his professional career. Three of Jonah’s older brothers (Kaden, Christian, and Noah) also pursued football careers at the University of Idaho and currently play in the NFL, making the Elliss family one of the rare sets of four brothers to have all reached professional football.
Jonah’s path to the NFL was shaped by his family’s legacy and his own dedication to the sport. Growing up with brothers who shared his passion created an environment of constant competition and mutual improvement. This unique upbringing prepared him for the challenges of playing at the collegiate and professional levels.
Jonah Elliss Career
College Career (2021–2023)
Jonah Elliss played three seasons (2021–2023) for the Utah Utes, where he steadily developed into one of the Pac-12 Conference’s most productive defensive players. During his freshman season, Elliss appeared in all 14 games and recorded 15 tackles while learning the intricacies of the college game. His sophomore season saw increased production, as he tallied 26 tackles with six tackles for loss and three sacks, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 recognition. A significant milestone occurred in 2022 when his father Luther joined the Utah coaching staff as his position coach, creating a unique father-son dynamic within the program.
Elliss experienced a breakout junior season in 2023 that cemented his status as an NFL prospect. He delivered an exceptional campaign with 11 sacks, establishing himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the conference. His outstanding performance earned him Consensus All-American honors and First-team All-Pac-12 recognition, validating his development from a three-star recruit into an elite collegiate defender. Following the 2023 season, Elliss declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Draft and Denver Broncos Selection
The Denver Broncos selected Jonah Elliss in the third round (76th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, acquiring a young linebacker with significant upside. The Broncos saw potential in Elliss’s combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence developed through his family background. He signed his rookie contract with the team shortly after being drafted.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
Jonah Elliss made an immediate impact during his rookie season with the Denver Broncos in 2024. He appeared in 14 games and quickly established himself as a reliable pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position. Elliss recorded five sacks during his rookie campaign, the third most among all NFL rookies that season, demonstrating his ability to translate college production to the professional level.
One of Elliss’s standout performances came in a Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he recorded multiple sacks and consistently pressured the opposing quarterback. He maintained his strong play throughout the season, finishing with 66 total tackles, a forced fumble, and three pass deflections. His rookie-year production earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, recognizing him among the league’s best first-year players.
The Broncos qualified for the playoffs during Elliss’s rookie season. In the Wild Card round against the Buffalo Bills, Elliss suffered a fractured scapula that ended his season prematurely. Despite the injury, his rookie performance provided the Broncos with a promising young foundation for their defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Elliss’s rookie season included several memorable moments beyond his regular-season production. His five-sack total represented the most by a Broncos rookie since the team’s relocation, establishing a new standard for first-year pass rushers in the organization. The playoff appearance marked the beginning of what the Broncos hope will be sustained success, with Elliss positioned as a key piece of their defensive future.
Jonah Elliss Career Wins
Through his first two professional seasons, Jonah Elliss has recorded 7.5 career sacks along with 94 total tackles, one forced fumble, and four pass deflections while appearing in 29 games.
2024 Season Highlights
Elliss’s rookie season was highlighted by his consistent ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His five sacks ranked third among NFL rookies in 2024, and his 66 total tackles demonstrated his reliability against both the run and pass. The PFWA All-Rookie Team selection validated his standing as one of the top first-year linebackers in the league. The fractured scapula suffered in the playoffs cut his debut season short but did not diminish the impact of his overall performance.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented new challenges for Elliss as he battled injuries throughout the campaign. He appeared in 15 games and recorded 28 tackles with 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. While his production declined from his rookie numbers, Elliss continued to show flashes of his pass-rushing ability when healthy. The Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship Game during the 2025 season, where Elliss faced his brother Christian who played for the New England Patriots. Following the Broncos’ loss, the brothers were seen embracing on the field, representing a poignant family moment on the biggest stage.
Jonah Elliss Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Luther Elliss, Jonah’s father, enjoyed a distinguished 10-year NFL career as a defensive tackle with the Detroit Lions from 1995 to 2005. Luther accumulated over 400 career tackles during his professional career, establishing himself as one of the Lions’ most reliable defenders during his tenure. His NFL success created a blueprint for his sons to follow, and Luther’s involvement as a coach at Utah directly influenced Jonah’s collegiate development.
The Elliss family represents one of the rarest phenomena in professional football: four brothers who have all played in the NFL. Kaden, Christian, Noah, and Jonah Elliss each developed their skills at Idaho before progressing to professional careers. This multigenerational football legacy spans multiple generations, with Luther’s career preceding his sons’ accomplishments. The family’s combination of professional achievement and familial bond distinguishes them within the sport.
Personal Life
Jonah Elliss has been in a relationship with Kasey Wardle since 2021. The couple has been together throughout Elliss’s college career and transition to the NFL. Beyond football, Elliss carries on his family’s tradition of dedication and work ethic, values instilled by his father and modeled by his brothers.
2025 Season Performance
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss enters the 2025 season with increased responsibilities on defense. Elliss continued to develop his skills as an edge rusher, appearing in 15 games during the season. The Broncos’ defense looked to Elliss to provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks throughout the campaign.
Elliss finished the 2025 season with 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the pass-rushing game despite battling injuries. His lowest sack total through two seasons came as he adjusted to the physical demands of a full NFL schedule while managing injury setbacks.
The Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game during the 2025 season. In that game, Elliss faced his brother Christian who played for the New England Patriots. After the Broncos lost the game, the two brothers were seen embracing on the field. Head coach Sean Payton announced that Elliss would transition to inside linebacker during the 2026 offseason, expanding his role within the defense.