Deante Burton, born in Berlin, Germany, was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, where he was converted to a cornerback shortly after arriving in the NFL. He played collegiately at Kansas State University as a wide receiver, where he became the school's 29th career 1,000-yard receiver. Deante spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. 

Career Highlights and Awards:
Kansas State University 1,000-yard receiver




Large, big-box retailers that carry a broad range of products. Ex: Walmart, Target, and Tesco.

Selling directly to consumers without 3rd-party retailers. Ex.: Brand-owned e-commerce sites, subscription boxes (Dollar Shave Club), and brand pop-ups.

Sell surplus or out-of-season merchandise at lower prices. Ex: T.J. Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and Outlet Malls.

Traditional, multi-category stores with mid-to-high price ranges. Ex: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and John Lewis.

Primarily food-focused, but often include general merchandise sections. Ex: Kroger, Whole Foods, and Carrefour.

Stores focused on specific product verticals or hobbies.

Slightly more value-focused than high-end department stores. Ex: Kohl’s, and Dillard’s.

Broad online marketplaces, often with global reach. Ex.: Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, and Mercado Libre.

Deante Burton 

Ricky attended college at LSU where he played football, as well as track and field. He was a member of LSU’s 2007 BCS National Championship team, and also the defensive MVP of the 2008 BCS National Championship Game. Picked late in the 7th round of the 2009 Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, he defied the odds by having a tenured career in the NFL. He became famous among 49ers fans for his "Peanut Butter Jelly Dance".

He played for 6 NFL teams where he was always a mentoring squad player. Ricky also knew that his football career would eventually end, needing to focus on his “retirement fund”. This goal was realized when he played for the New England Patriots where he used Dunkin’ franchises as a potential pathway for his post-career plans. He joined forces with Jordan Reed and Sam Shields founding U Donuts, LLC. The trio has since planned to operate 26 stores in the Southeast US. Grant Benson, Dunkin’ Brands Sr. VP of Franchising stated, “Many of the skills learned in sports can translate to franchising, and these professional athletes know how to work hard and utilize the operations playbook to their advantage.”. 

As the trio of players continues to build their coffee and donut empire, Ricky wants more players to focus on building their post-career plans early on, so they can retire and walk gently into a comfortable life.

Career Highlights and Awards:
BCS National Champion (2007)
SEC Champion (2007)




Stores focused on broad reach and/or price sensitivity.

Ricky Jean Francois

Trai is an offensive guard for the Washington Commanders. He played college football at LSU where he played 2 seasons after redshirting his freshman year, before declaring for the NFL draft in 2014. Trai was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, where he made the Pro Bowl every year from 2015 to 2019.  In 2016, Turner became the first solo offensive lineman since Nate Newton to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Turner has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. Trai Turner signed a one year deal with the Washington Commanders on May 3, 2022. Turner appeared in 16 games with 12 starts at right guard for the Commanders, blocking for a Washington ground game that finished 12th in the NFL (126.1 rushing yards per game). In July 2023, Trai Turner signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Career Highlights and Awards:
5× Pro Bowl (2015–2019)
Second-team All-SEC (2013)


Trai Turner

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee 

Larry Ogunjobi is a defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills, spending time with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Livingston, New Jersey, to Nigerian immigrants, Ogunjobi developed into a standout football player at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte 49ers). As a member of the school’s inaugural recruiting class, he played a pivotal role in establishing the program’s foundation. During his collegiate career, Ogunjobi became the first player in school history to earn All-Conference USA honors and the first to be selected in the NFL Draft. In 2017, he was selected in the 3rd round by the Cleveland Browns. Ogunjobi spent the first four seasons of his professional career with the Browns. Following a promising rookie season, he secured a starting role on the defensive line, delivering back-to-back seasons with over 5 sacks in both 2018 and 2019.

In 2021, Ogunjobi signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he enjoyed the most productive season of his career. He recorded 49 tackles, 7 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss, serving as a key contributor to a Bengals defense that helped propel the team to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI.

In 2022, Ogunjobi joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has continued to make an impact both on and off the field. His contributions to the community have been widely recognized, culminating in his nomination as a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year candidate in 2024—one of the league’s most prestigious honors, awarded to a player who exemplifies excellence in both football and community service.

In March 2025, Ogunjobi signed a 1 year deal with the Buffalo Bills. Ogunjobi looks to be a key contributor on a talented Buffalo Bills defensive line. 

Related Articles:
Ogunjobi is Steelers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award

Career Highlights and Awards:
First-Team All-Conference USA (2016)
Super Bowl LVI appearance 
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee (2024)


Virtual marketplaces that sell digital goods (NFTs, in-game items, etc.). Ex.: Fortnite Item Shop, Roblox, and Decentraland.

Extreme value-focused retailers offering low-priced goods. Ex: Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Poundland.

Larry Ogunjobi

Chris Parson is a Freshman Quarterback at Mississippi State University. While playing his prep ball at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee, Chris began to make a name for himself with his incredible on field play and spectacular performances at camps across the country. As a junior, Chris led Ravenwood to a 10-3 record and a Tennessee Class 6A D-I state quarterfinal berth in a season in which he accounted for more than 3,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns. He went on to the camp circuit where he was named regional MVP of the Elite 11 and ultimately one of the top 11 quarterbacks in the country at the Elite 11 finals in Southern California. Chris prides himself in his relationship with his family and his dedication to succeed in all facets of life. He lives & breathes football and can’t wait to leave his legacy at his father’s alma mater, Mississippi State.

Chirs entered the transfer portal, where he joined Austin Peay and is expected to have a monster season.


Chris Parson

Michael “OJ” Ojemudia was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos following playing collegiately for the University of Iowa. 

Michael made his first career start in the Broncos’ 2020 season-opener against the Tennessee Titans. He finished his rookie season with 62 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, & 6 pass deflections. He became the first rookie in NFL history to record multiple games with two or more forced fumbles, and was just the third NFL rookie in the last 20 years to force at least four fumbles in a season. 

Michael played for Broncos through the 1st half of the 2022 season prior to being picked up by the Chicago Bears for the 2nd half of the 2022 season. 

Michael made his Bears debut in the final regular season game vs. Minnesota, seeing game action on special teams. He will be an integral part of the Bears defense in the coming season.  Off the field, Michael worked with Focus HOPE & Detroit Impact as part of the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleat campaign to work to overcome racial and economic inequalities & mentor and encourage at-risk youth in Detroit. 

In January 2024, Michael signed with the Arizona Cardinals to team up with their young cornerback corps to use his experience to elevate the unit.

Career Highlights and Awards:
Second-team All Big Ten
Denver Broncos 3rd-Round Draft Pick (2020)
PFF Highest Graded Game for a Rookie CB (2020)


Michael Ojemudia

Kwon Alexander is an NFL linebacker who played college football at LSU. After leading the team in tackles as a junior, Kwon declared for the 2015 NFL Draft where he would go on to be selected in the 4th round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kwon made an instant impact with the Buccaneers and quickly became a household name at the linebacker position, earning his first Pro Bowl nomination in just his 3rd season.in 2019, he went on to San Francisco where he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.  On November 2, 2020, the San Francisco 49ers traded Alexander to the New Orleans Saints following week 9 of the season. .He was named a starter in Week 10, and started the next seven games before suffering a torn achilles in Week 16.  In August of 2022, Kwon signed a one year deal with the New York Jets. Fully recovered from injuries, he made an immediate impact announcing his arrival with highlight after highlight on the Jets defense. 

On July 30, 2023, Alexander signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The seven-year veteran brings athleticism and coverage skills that make him an immediate complement and fixture within the Steelers linebacker rotation. 

Off of the field, Kwon loves giving back to his community. In his rookie season, Kwon’s 17-year-old brother lost his life to gun violence. Kwon played in a game 2 days later, posting an inspirational career game and has since used his large platform as a professional athlete to be an outspoken advocate against gun violence. 

Kwon signed with the Detroit Lions in 2024.

See related articles about Kwon’s contributions:
Steelers LBs React to Kwon Alexander Signing
Steelers agree to a deal with former Jets Pro Bowl LB Kwon Alexander
Kwon Alexander Bringing Energy and Celebration to Defense

See video below of Kwon announcing his presence in New York:
Kwon Alexander Lights Up Antonio Williams With A Massive Hit | Aug 28, 2022

Career Highlights & Awards:
1x Pro Bowl
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015)


Kwon Alexander

Also, Pro Bowl & NFL Receiving Yards Leader in 2013.


Josh Gordon, nicknamed Flash, is a wide receiver who played college football at Baylor and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft.

Josh had a breakout season in 2013 by leading the league in receiving yards, which earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. In September 2018, he was traded to the New England Patriots, where he won a Super Bowl that season .On March 12, 2019, the Patriots placed a second-round tender on Gordon, securing his services for the upcoming 2019 season. During Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in his first game since Week 13 of the 2018 season, Gordon had three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown in a 33–3 win.

On February 27, 2021, Gordon signed with the FCF Zappers of the Fan Controlled Football League. In his first game, Gordon had four catches for 70 yards and the walk off Hail Mary helping the Zappers move to 2-2. He played two games for the Zappers while catching seven passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns Gordon was reinstated to the NFL in 2021, and was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs active roster on October 5, 2021.In the Chiefs week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, he caught a 1-yard touchdown. It was his first touchdown since 2019. After missing multiple games with COVID-19, Gordon was deactivated and moved  to the practice squad for the playoff run and released by the Chiefs after the season. 

The Seattle Sea Dragons selected Gordon in the sixth round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023. In Week 1 against the DC Defenders, Gordon had 6 receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown in the 22–18 loss. In Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers, Gordon caught a 65-yard touchdown from Ben DiNucci with 58 seconds left in the game to win 30–26.

Career Highlights and Awards
	• Super Bowl champion (LIII)
	• Pro Bowl (2013)
	• First-team All-Pro (2013)
	• NFL receiving yards leader (2013)


Josh Gordon

Steve Weatherford is a former NFL punter who played college football at Illinois and was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Steve has been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and New York Giants. In 2011, Steve won Super Bowl XLVI as a member of the Giants and had Bleacher Report call him the Super Bowl MVP. Steve and his wife Laura reside in San Diego with their five children.

In June 2013, Weatherford graduated from the seventh annual NFL Broadcast Boot Camp in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and has since held positions as a substitute sports broadcaster on Good Day New York, ESPN SportsNation, NFL AM, and SI Now. During the 2013 season, Weatherford had a regular slot on WFAN radio on Monday nights.

In addition to his broadcasting roles, Weatherford has appeared on television, in sports magazines, and in newspapers on topics including sports, health and fitness, family, fashion, and philanthropy In September 2015, Weatherford was recognized as the seventh most popular NFL Player on social media.

Steve is known for his commitment to staying fit after playing in the NFL. He was on the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine where he was named “The NFL’s Fittest Man” as seen in the following link:
https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/steve-weatherford-nfls-fittest-man/

Career Highlights and Awards:
	• Super Bowl Champion (XLVI)
	• Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2003)
	• First-team All-Big Ten (2004)
	• Led NFC in Punting Yards (2013)


Steve Weatherford

Akayleb Evans was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (118th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. In 2023, Evans started in 15 games for the Vikings, recording 65 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 7 passes defensed. The new-look Vikings have big expectations out of Evans going into his 3rd year. “You can’t teach that height, that length and his speed” said Coach Brian Flores discussing the optimism he has for Evans entering this 2024-2025 NFL season. Akayleb spent 16 weeks of the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, then joined the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. 


See below the following articles on Akayleb:
The 4 Big Surprises at MIN Training Camp-  VikingsTerrirtory.com
Evans 'Disruptive' at Training Camp - Vikings.com


Akayleb Evans

Nigel Bradham is a retired NFL Linebacker most notably of the Philadelphia Eagles where he helped win them Super Bowl LII. Nigel was born and raised in Crawfordville, Florida and played his college ball at Florida State University. In his time at Florida State he lead his team in tackles for three years straight and was named team captain for his last year. He led his defense to be ranked 4th nationally and earned an All-ACC honorable mention. Nigel was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 105th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He ended up playing for the Bills for four years and then went on to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on a two-year deal on March 9, 2016. This is where Nigel would play his most notable football in his career where he started at linebacker immediately and helped bring his defense to the Super Bowl in his 2nd year there. 

In Super Bowl LII he recorded 7 total tackles and helped his team defeat the Patriots. This feat would earn him a five-year extension with the Eagles, and after short stints with both the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos he ultimately decided to retire after a very successful career.

Career Highlights & Awards:
Super Bowl Champion (LII)


Nigel Bradham

Breshad Perriman played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts.

Career Highlights & Awards:
First-Team All-AAC (2014)


Breshad Perriman

Brian Poole Jr. was an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 and is currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and played collegiately at Florida from 2012-2015. In the 2015 season, he recorded 40 total tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, .5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

The ninth highest-graded cornerback in the NFL for the 2019 season, according to Pro Football Focus, Poole has done well both with the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets during his NFL career. In 2021 he signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Brian finished the 2021 season as a member of the Colts practice squad.



Brian Poole Jr

Melvin Ingram III is an American football outside linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at South Carolina, and earned All-American honors. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 1st Round with the 18th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. Melvin Ingram spent the first 9 seasons of his career with the team, even following them to Los Angeles. He was selected to 3 Pro Bowls during his tenure with the Chargers, as one of the most productive defensive players in the NFL he was consistently selected to the NFL Top 100 list. He has also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins.

During this past season with the Dolphins he played 45% of the team’s defensive snaps in 17 games last year, recording 22 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble. He got off to a hot start with his new team and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.

Melvin’s Mission Possible Foundation’s purpose is to provide resources to financially disadvantaged children from single-parent families to help them reach their full potential and beat the odds. His other off the field endeavors include his own streetwear clothing line and having put out multiple hip hop albums under the stage name King Mel.

In 2024, Melvin was inducted to the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights & Awards:
3x Pro Bowl
Consensus All-American (2011)


Melvin Ingram

Austin played football collegiately at Stanford University where he was known as a top tight end and future NFL star. After being named a finalist for the John Mackey Award and First-team All-Pac-12 after his sophomore year, Austin declared for the NFL Draft. After a strong performance at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, the Atlanta Falcons selected Austin in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. During the 2018 NFL Season, his 3rd in the NFL, Austin was a Pro Bowler and ranked 4th in receptions among tight ends. For the 2019 season, Austin recorded 75 receptions for 787 yards and 6 touchdowns as he made his way to his second consecutive Pro Bowl. He had the 5th most receptions and 4th most receiving touchdowns at his position in 13 games. Austin recently made headlines as he is the latest offensive weapon to join the Cleveland Browns. 


In his 1st season with the Browns, Austin found himself fitting well in the offense where he averaged 9.5-yards per reception, recorded 4 TDs, and was a top-10 fantasy option throughout the season. Austin’s addition proved to be key with his playoff TD, contributing to the Browns 1st playoff road win since 1969.


In the 2021 season in 16 games he had 38 receptions, 345 receiving yards and 3 touchdown passes. During the 2022 off-season, Austin signed with the Tennessee Titans and has been a critical piece of their powerful playmaking offense this season. Austin finished the year with 41 catches, 444 yards, and two touchdowns. 


After a season with the Titans, Austin signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. He played in every game during the 2023/24 season, and totaled 234 receiving yards on 25 receptions, he was called a role model for the Raiders promising young TE core.


In March of 2024 the New England Patriots made a splash in Free Agency, signing the 2-time Pro Bowler to a one-year deal. Austin served as a consistent target for Drake Maye and the Patriots, finishing the season with a handful of big touchdowns plays and quickly became a fan favorite.


Example Activation: Sarchione Chevy Austin Hooper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udJSvHeUpVw 


Career Highlights and Awards:
2x Pro Bowl (2018, 2019)
First-team All-Pac-12 (2015)


Austin Hooper

Josh Woods was signed by the Chicago Bears on June 7, 2018 after participating in a veteran mini-camp on a tryout basis. He was cut by the team at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the team's practice squad on September 2, 2018. He spent the entire 2018 season on the practice squad as he continued to transition to linebacker, adding 30 pounds in the process. After a strong showing in preseason, Woods made the Bears 53-man roster going into the 2019 season. In 2021, he was picked up by Detroit where he has worked his way onto the 53-man roster and was re-signed for the 2022 season after an impressive end to the 2021 year. In 2023 Josh signed a 1-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. He  started 7 games for the Cardinals, posting 61 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass defensed. In 2024 Josh signed a 1 year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. 


Josh Woods

Cultured and passionate are two words to describe David Njoku. As a standout tight end at the University of Miami, David had over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. David decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility to enter the 2017 NFL Draft where he was drafted in the First Round by the Cleveland Browns. In his rookie year, David recorded 4 touchdowns, which were the most by a Cleveland Browns rookie tight end in franchise history. After signing a four-year extension with Cleveland this offseason, he's on pace for personal records across all stat categories. He was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate this season. During the 2022 season, Njoku was franchise-tagged by the Browns. 

David has been extremely active in the community by participating in several youth football camps, visiting children at local Cleveland hospitals, and volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations. David’s family moved to the United States from Nigeria where his father was a Chief; he then bestowed upon him the title Chief David Njoku. David is a huge gamer who also enjoys meditating and practicing Muay Thai during his free time. Following the season, David has signed a 4-year contract extension with the Browns who are going “all in” on the TE. The extension has paid off during the 2022 season where David posted single-season career highs across every stat category, finishing with his best season to date.  

Throughout the 2023/24 season, David became a main focus point of the Browns offense and one the favorite targets of whoever is lined up under center for the Browns. However, only 2 days prior to the Browns Week 4 game David suffered serious facial burns in a home fire pit accident. Despite all reports, he managed to play in the game, NFL players throughout the league commended the resolve that he showed playing through what must have been excruciating pain. David showed up to the stadium wearing a full mask over his face which sent social media into a frenzy. Garnering over 35M impressions on X (formerly Twitter) alone.  He was able to turn his personal setback into an opportunity for positive change, by partnering with the American Burn Association he took his viral moment and created an apparel line with a percentage of proceeds going to benefit other burn survivors. Despite all of this, David had a career-best season where he was named to his 1st Pro Bowl while helping the Cleveland Browns explode onto the Playoff Scene.


David recorded 64 catches for 505 yards and 5 touchdowns in the 2024/25 season. His top performance of the season came in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, posting 9 catches for 52 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku reveals severity of facial burns after fire pit accident

Following in the footsteps of some of his idols, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Idris Elba who have been two big inspirations for David growing up. This led to him testing his acting chops in the upcoming motion picture, “The Wrecker” alongside Hollywood heavyweights Harvey Keitel and Tyrese Gibson.

David Njoku to act in first national film featuring Harvey Keitel, Tyrese Gibson

Please see the following articles that highlight David’s unique story and contributions to the community:
David Njoku Is a Rare NFL-Bound Talent from a Rare Family
Browns’ David Njoku reflects on becoming a Chief in Nigeria
Browns TE David Njoku Rises From ‘Problem Child’ To Consummate Pro and Pro Bowler in 7 Years - AP

Career Highlights and Awards:
1x Pro Bowl (2024)


David Njoku

Jordan Reed is a former American football tight end who played eight seasons in the NFL and played college football at the University of Florida. While at UF, Jordan won the SEC title in 2009, was named Second Team All-SEC in 2012, and finished his collegiate career with 78 receptions for 945 yards and six touchdowns along with 328 yards rushing and 5 rushing touchdowns.

Reed was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. In 2013, Reed made the PFWA All-Rookie Team at tight end. Reed's ability in the passing game made his career trajectory seem boundless in Washington. In 2015, Reed set a franchise record in receptions and receiving yards, ending with a 952-yard, 11-TD season and 2016 as a Pro Bowl selection. Reed was selected one of NFL’s Top 100 Players in 2015 and 2016 and named an alternate for the 2015 and 2018 NFL Pro Bowls.

Reed missed the 2019 season due to injuries and spent his final year in the NFL playing for the San Francisco 49ers, earning 26 catches for 231 yards and 4 TDs in 10 games. Reed retired in 2020 with a career total of 355 receptions, 3,602 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Reed was the fastest tight end in NFL history to record 200 catches (breaking Kellen Winslow Sr.’s 30-year-record) and the second fastest tight end in NFL history to record 300 catches.

Since retiring, Reed has numerous, cross-sector entrepreneurial interests, endeavors and partnerships including retail, licensing and real estate.

Career Highlights and Awards
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2013)
NFL Top-100 Player (2015, 2016)
Pro Bowl (2016)


Jordan Reed

Timmy Jernigan is a retired NFL player. Timmy was selected in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL draft with the 48th pick by the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive end. In 2016 Jernigan finished with the 2nd most sacks on the team with five. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Eagles where he would go on to win Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. After his Super Bowl season he had to get back surgery, then finished his career playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos in the 2020 season. 




Timmy Jernigan

Eli Apple is a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, he played college football at The Ohio State University. He is also the nephew of actor and comedian Michael Blackson. At Ohio State, Eli helped the Buckeyes win their first College Football Playoff national championship in 2015.  In 2016, he was the Defensive MVP of the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.  Following Ohio State, Eli was selected by the New York Giants with the 10th overall draft pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.  Eli spent his entire NFL career with the New York Giants before being traded to the New Orleans Saints in October 2018.  During his first four seasons in the NFL, he played 55 career games, starting 48, with three interceptions and 33 passes defensed.  In the 2021 offseason, Eli signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals where he would help command the defense to the NFC Championship Game.
 
Eli Apple grew both personally and professionally throughout the 2021 season, allowing him to become the player he was meant to be as a 1st round draft pick. Eli was a powerful locker room presence and a key defensive piece on the Bengals historic run to Super Bowl LVI. Building on his resurgence in 2022, he recorded 49 tackles and 8 passes defended and helped fuel the defense to the NFC Championship Game. He was targeted more than any other Cincinnati defensive back in 2022, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. As the nearest defender, he had a completion percentage that was 2.6% lower than expectation and had minus-5.7 total expected points added when targeted.

Following a short free agency, Eli was signed by the Miami Dolphins in July 2023 to replace the injured Jalen Ramsey. He started 10 games in 2023 recording 33 solo tackles, 9 passes defended, and 1 interception.

On October 14, 2024 Eli signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he would provide secondary help to the NFL’s top ranked scoring defense. 

Eli signed a 1 year deal with the San Francisco 49ers on July 29th, 2025. He’ll provide veteran experience to San Francisco’s secondary. 

See the following articles about Eli Apple’s resurgence below: 
Eli Apple falls far from his past to help Bengals defense the Super Bowl run
Eli Apple: I’ll talk my biggest trash, and whether I back it up or don’t, it doesn’t matter
 
Career Highlights and Awards
            • Fiesta Bowl Champion (2016)
            • CFP National Champion (2015)
            • Sugar Bowl Champion (2015)
            • Big Ten Champion (2014)
            • Defensive MVP of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl


Deante Burton

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