‘So many memories of just working so hard,’ former Vandal linebacker Kaden Elliss shines in the NFL

ATLANTA, Ga. – For the Elliss family, making it to the NFL isn’t just a dream, it’s an expectation.

“Being their big brother and watching them workout, watching them go in the cold with me, watching them, whatever it was when they didn’t want to, and just seeing how well it’s paid off for them is just… It’s special as a big brother to get to see their success,” former Idaho Vandals linebacker Kaden Elliss said.

Elliss, a leader on the Atlanta Falcons defense, is one of three brothers in the NFL, all descended from their father, two-time Pro Bowler Luther Elliss.

“It’s so special,” Kaden said. “Getting to watch our dad play, obviously impacted us a lot. It just takes you back, so many memories of just working so hard.”

Elliss earned his spot in the league through an award-laden career with Idaho, one which he says taught him to play linebacker for the first time.

“Teaching me how to play the position of linebacker, and giving me so many reps that I missed out on throughout high school,” Elliss said. “It was really helpful for my development.”

Elliss is one of just four U of I alums in the league, an exclusive club he’s proud to represent.

“V’s up,” Elliss said. “I love my Vandals. Getting to play there for four years was so special, the Kibbie Dome. It’s a special place, and to represent them, preferably in a strong manner, means a lot.”

The New Orleans Saints picked the Utah native in the 2019 draft. After a few years in the Big Easy, Elliss signed a deal with their rival Atlanta in 2023, and his veteran experience helps the new rookies out already.

“Go be yourself,” Elliss said. “A vet said to me one time before my first start, ‘you’re built for this,’ and that meant a lot. And that’s really all I want to share to them.”

Elliss exploded onto the scene last season, becoming the first Falcon in history to collect 100 tackles, five sacks and a pick in one season. The cherry on top: Atlanta just announced he’ll be a captain for the first time in his career.

“It really goes back to one, team success really trumps all,” Elliss said. “If the team wins, everybody does well, everybody gets highlighted more. So for me really, let’s win.”