The Denver Broncos were thrilled to see Jonah Elliss still available when it was time for their third-round pick in the NFL Draft. Coach Sean Payton had a high grade on the pass rusher from the University of Utah, believing he could make an immediate impact as a Year 1 contributor on the edge. This need was amplified by an injury to the previous year’s third-round pick, Drew Sanders.
However, the Atlanta Falcons were picking right before the Broncos, and their general manager, Terry Fontenot, had previously worked with Payton in New Orleans. Adding to the intrigue was the fact that the Falcons had Kaden Elliss, Jonah’s brother and a player Payton and Fontenot had drafted in 2019.
Despite the potential conflict of interest, the Falcons selected a different player, allowing the Broncos to nab Jonah Elliss with their pick. Kaden Elliss, upon hearing the news, sent a text to Payton, expressing his approval of the selection.
Fast forward to two weeks after the draft, and the NFL schedule was released, setting the stage for a family reunion on the football field. The Falcons would be facing the Broncos, pitting Kaden and Jonah against each other for the first time in their NFL careers.
The Elliss family has a rich football history, with five brothers having reached the NFL. Their father, Luther Elliss, played 10 seasons in the league as a defensive tackle. The brothers’ love for the game was instilled at a young age, with Luther guiding their football journeys.
The matchup between the Broncos and Falcons not only features the Elliss brothers but also includes other connections like Falcons safety Justin Simmons, who spent eight years in Denver, and Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who grew up in Denver as a Broncos fan.
Sunday’s game is more than just a typical NFL matchup; it’s a rare opportunity to see two brothers facing off on the field, with over 30 family members in attendance. The Elliss brothers are relishing the opportunity but approach it like any other competition, much like their annual Elliss Olympics, a family event filled with friendly rivalry and trash-talking.
As the game approaches, Kaden Elliss, boasting a 1-0 record in head-to-head matchups against his brothers, including a win over Christian in 2022, looks to make it 2-0 against Jonah. The stage is set for a memorable showdown between the Elliss brothers, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already intriguing NFL matchup.
