Marvin Harrison Jr., Joe Alt, Kris Jenkins, Jonah Ellis, and Luke McCaffrey are part of a family tradition in the NFL draft. They are following in the footsteps of their fathers, who were once professional football players.
Elliss was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the third round on Friday night. His father, Luther Ellis, was a highly paid defensive tackle in the NFL, playing for Detroit for nine seasons before joining Denver for one final season in 2004. Luther also served as the team chaplain for the Broncos during their last Super Bowl season in 2015.
“I don’t remember many of his big moments, but I do recall when we moved to Colorado,” said Jonah Elliss.
“We spent a year there. It was great to see my dad getting back into football, even though he was just the chaplain at the time. So, it was cool to witness that. And I’m excited to be going to the same place where he was.”
Elliss also has three brothers in the NFL: Kaden (Falcons), Christian (Patriots), and Noah (Eagles). Kaden played his first four seasons with New Orleans and was also drafted by Sean Payton, who is now the coach for the Broncos.
“Kaden told me how much he loved Coach, so I’m just really excited to get out there and work for him because my brother had such good things to say about him,” Jonah Elliss said.
Elliss, who plays as an edge rusher, wore No. 83 at Utah, just like his dad did in the early 1990s.
Jenkins, who was an All-American and team captain for national champion Michigan during his senior year, was chosen by the Bengals in the second round on Friday. He also comes from a family with NFL connections.
His father, also named Kris, was a two-time All-Pro defensive tackle during his 10 seasons with Carolina and the New York Jets. Additionally, his uncle is Super Bowl champion defensive end Cullen Jenkins.
Luke McCaffrey, a wide receiver from Rice, was picked by the Washington Commanders at the end of the third round. He was the 100th overall selection and is the son of former star receiver Ed McCaffrey. Luke is also the brother of current star running back Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.
