Brief Introduction of Jonah Elliss
Jonah Elliss is a distinguished American football linebacker currently playing for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Hailing from a family deeply rooted in football, he is the son of former NFL defensive tackle Luther Elliss. Jonah quickly made a name for himself at the collegiate level playing for the Utah Utes, where his exceptional performance as a defensive end earned him Consensus All-American honors in 2023. Selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Elliss continued to impress, showcasing his remarkable skill set and relentless work ethic. His immediate impact in the professional league was recognized when he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team for the 2024 season. Known for his powerful pass-rushing abilities and high football IQ, Jonah Elliss is considered a rising star in the NFL, carrying on his family’s formidable football legacy.
Jonah Elliss Overview
| Full Name | Jonah Elliss |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 2003 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 22 |
| Birthplace | Rochester Hills, Michigan, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Linebacker |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Father – Luther Elliss, Mother – Rebecca Elliss, 11 siblings |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Kasey Wardle |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million |
Early Life and Education of Jonah Elliss
Jonah Elliss was born on April 3, 2003, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, into a large and athletic family. He is the son of Luther Elliss, a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle who had a successful 10-season career in the NFL, and Rebecca Elliss. Growing up with eleven siblings, seven of whom are adopted, competition and camaraderie were constants in his life. The Elliss family moved several times during his youth, living in Utah and Colorado before settling in Idaho. He attended Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho, where he began to carve out his own identity on the football field. A standout player for the Moscow Bears, he earned the title of Inland Empire League Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time all-league selection. Despite his family’s deep ties to the sport, Jonah was determined to create his own legacy. Rated as a three-star recruit and the top prospect in the state of Idaho, he committed to play college football at the University of Utah, his father’s alma mater, after careful consideration of his options.
Jonah Elliss’s Career
Jonah Elliss’s football career is marked by a rapid ascent fueled by innate talent and a relentless drive. He joined the University of Utah Utes in 2021 and made an immediate impression, playing in all 14 games as a true freshman and recording 15 tackles. His sophomore year in 2022 saw him take on a more significant role, starting in 8 of the 11 games he played. He earned an honorable mention for the All-Pac-12 Conference team after tallying 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks. It was his junior season in 2023, however, that solidified his status as an elite NFL prospect. In a dominant campaign, Elliss recorded 37 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious title of Consensus All-American. He was also a finalist for several major awards, including the Lombardi Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, and the Ted Hendricks Award. Foregoing his senior season, Elliss declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round as the 76th overall pick, a moment his father, Luther, described as “pandemonium” for their family of Broncos fans. Jonah quickly transitioned to the professional level, making an immediate impact. In his rookie season, he recorded five sacks, the third-most of any rookie in the league, and was named to the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team. His first year was a testament to his pro-readiness and his potential to be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
Jonah Elliss Personal Life & Family
Jonah Elliss comes from a large and close-knit family that is deeply embedded in the world of football. His father, Luther Elliss, was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Utah and went on to have a decorated 10-year NFL career, primarily with the Detroit Lions, earning two Pro Bowl selections. His mother, Rebecca, also attended the University of Utah. Together, Luther and Rebecca have 12 children, five biological and seven adopted, creating a lively and supportive household. Football is a common thread in the Elliss family, as three of Jonah’s older brothers also play in the NFL: Kaden, a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons; Christian, a linebacker for the New England Patriots; and Noah, a defensive tackle who has been with the Philadelphia Eagles. The four Elliss brothers playing in the league simultaneously is a remarkable and rare accomplishment. Jonah has been in a long-term relationship with Kasey Wardle since 2021. Wardle is also an athlete, having played soccer for the University of Utah. The family’s deep ties to faith and community service are also a significant part of their lives, a value instilled by their parents.
Awards and Achievements of Jonah Elliss
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2024)
- Consensus All-American (2023)
- Second-Team All-American (Associated Press, 2023)
- First-Team All-Pac-12 (2023)
- Finalist for the Lombardi Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, and Ted Hendricks Award (2023)
- Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Finalist (2023)
- Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Conference (2022)
- Inland Empire League Player of the Year (High School)
- Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll
Jonah Elliss Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jonah Elliss’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His primary source of income is his NFL salary. Upon being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2024, he signed a four-year rookie contract valued at $5,870,714. This contract included a signing bonus of $1,089,608, with the full signing bonus amount guaranteed. His average annual salary under this contract is approximately $1,467,679. His income will likely grow through performance-based incentives and potential future endorsement deals as he continues to establish himself as a prominent player in the league. His financial portfolio is expected to expand as his career progresses and he secures his second NFL contract.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being early in his professional career, Jonah Elliss is already building a significant legacy as part of one of football’s most prominent families. He and his father, Luther, are the first father-son duo from the University of Utah to both be drafted into the NFL, and only the second father-son pair to have both played for the Denver Broncos. The presence of Jonah and his three brothers—Kaden, Christian, and Noah—simultaneously in the NFL is a testament to their family’s athletic prowess and dedication. Jonah’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly those with a family legacy to uphold, demonstrating the ability to forge one’s own path while honoring family traditions. His high-energy playing style, characterized by what he describes as an “elite” effort, and his strong character have already made him a respected figure within the Broncos organization. His public image is that of a dedicated, humble, and family-oriented athlete who is focused on continuous improvement and contributing to his team’s success.
Interesting Facts about Jonah Elliss
- Jonah is one of twelve children; he has four biological siblings and seven adopted siblings.
- He and his three brothers, Kaden, Christian, and Noah, made history as one of the few sets of four brothers to be active in the NFL at the same time.
- His father, Luther Elliss, not only played for the Denver Broncos but also served as the team’s chaplain from 2015 to 2016.
- The Elliss family was composed of avid Denver Broncos fans growing up, making Jonah’s draft day call from the team a particularly joyous and celebrated moment.
- He models his pass-rushing style after two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick, noting their similar physical stature and speed-based approach.
- Initially, Jonah was hesitant to attend the University of Utah because he didn’t want to simply follow in his father’s footsteps, but the coaching staff and atmosphere eventually won him over.
- The Elliss family holds a competitive “Elliss Family Olympics” every Fourth of July in Salt Lake City.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Jonah Elliss. He maintains a positive public image focused on his athletic career and family.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Jonah Elliss
Jonah Elliss represents the next generation of a storied football family, and his career trajectory suggests a future filled with promise and achievement. Having already earned Consensus All-American honors in college and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first NFL season, he has proven his ability to excel at the highest levels of the sport. His combination of natural athletic ability, a relentless motor, and a strong football pedigree provides a solid foundation for a long and successful career with the Denver Broncos. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, Elliss is poised to become a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense and a respected leader in the league. His journey is a compelling narrative of family, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, and the football world will be watching as he continues to build upon his already impressive legacy.
