Hometown Hero Makes NFL Leap: Former Paris Wildcat Five-star Signs with Los Angeles Chargers

 

Elijah Ellis, a former standout offensive lineman from Paris High School, has taken a major step in his football career by signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, officially making his NFL dream a reality.

 

The Paris Wildcats community proudly shared the news of their alumnus’s achievement. “We’re excited to announce that Elijah Ellis, a 2019 graduate of Paris High School, has officially signed to play professional football with the Los Angeles Chargers! The Wildcat family couldn’t be prouder. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” the team posted online, celebrating his milestone.

 

Ellis most recently played college football at Marshall University, where he made a significant impact during the 2024 season. Serving as the team’s starting left tackle, Ellis started all 13 games and anchored an offensive line that was among the best in the nation. Under his protection, Marshall’s offense ranked in the top 20 nationally for rushing yards and scored nearly 32 points per game on average.

 

Prior to joining Marshall, Ellis spent three seasons at Baylor University from 2021 to 2023. Although he saw limited playing time with just nine game appearances, he was recognized twice on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for his academic excellence while pursuing a degree in kinesiology.

Ellis’s football journey began at Paris High School, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line. In his senior year, he delivered a near-perfect performance, not allowing a single sack. His physicality, work ethic, and leadership made him a key player for the Wildcats and helped pave the way for his success at the collegiate level.

 

Now stepping into the professional arena, Ellis brings with him a combination of experience, discipline, and determination. His path to the NFL has been defined by persistence and growth—from high school excellence in Paris, Texas, to becoming a reliable presence at Marshall, and finally earning a shot in the NFL with the Chargers.

 

For the Paris community, Ellis’s success is a source of pride and inspiration. He stands as a shining example of what hard work, resilience, and staying true to one’s goals can achieve. His journey not only reflects personal triumph but also highlights the support system and legacy of his hometown and alma mater.

 

As Ellis embarks on this new chapter with the Chargers, the Paris Wildcats and their fans will continue to support him every step of the way, celebrating the hometown hero who made it to the NFL stage.