Undrafted Idaho product who fought through two Eagles releases to become a Patriots playoff difference-maker.
Christian Elliss began his pro career as an undrafted Vikings camp cutdown in 2021 and did not make an active NFL roster until December 2022. After two stints in Philadelphia ended in release, he found a home in New England, where he developed into one of the Patriots' most productive linebackers during their run to Super Bowl LX.
Path to the league
Elliss played at Idaho from 2017-21, totaling 266 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions. He signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2021 but was released at the end of training camp, beginning a long path through practice squads before he stuck with the Eagles in December 2022.
Career highlights
After two releases from Philadelphia, Elliss was claimed off waivers by New England in December 2023 and steadily earned a larger defensive role. The Patriots matched an offer sheet to keep him in March 2025 after a push from the Raiders, cementing his status as a core piece of their linebacker corps.
2025 season recap
Elliss started 15 of 18 games including playoffs in 2025, setting a career high with 94 regular-season tackles. He was a key contributor in New England's AFC Championship win over Denver, recording two tackles, two assists, a sack and a game-changing forced fumble as the Patriots advanced to Super Bowl LX.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Christian Elliss
- ESPN: Christian Elliss
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
15 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | patriots | 15 | 94 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 | patriots | 16 | 80 | 42 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 | eagles | 12 | 21 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | patriots | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2023 Totals | 16 | 23 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | eagles | 6 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | eagles | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Idaho
- Hometown
- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
- Age
- 27
- Status
- active
