New England Patriots Linebacker Christian Elliss and Denver Broncos Linebacker Jonah Elliss Set for AFC Championship Showdown, Family Ties Bind Them
The stage is set for an intriguing matchup in the AFC Championship game as two brothers with a shared last name face off against each other. Christian Elliss, a linebacker for the New England Patriots, will be pitted against his younger brother, Jonah Elliss, who plays for the Denver Broncos.
Growing up, Christian and Jonah would recreate their favorite football hits from games in their parents' basement, showcasing their passion for the sport. Their father, Luther Elliss, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, recalled that his sons were always eager to test boundaries and push limits. "Always willing to test the parameters of rules, if you will," he said.
Christian, who signed with the Patriots in 2023, finished the regular season second on the team in tackles with 94. His brother Jonah, a third-round pick out of Utah last year, hopes to make an impact on special teams against his sibling.
The brothers' love for competition extends beyond football. They've made the Elliss Family Olympics an annual event, competing in activities such as cornhole, Catan, and dodgeball. The events are decided by a family vote, and team captains are chosen based on previous year's performance.
"Everybody gets to participate, and it's just a lot of fun," Christian said about the competition. "We're all very competitive, so we always push each other."
Luther Elliss emphasized that family bonding is essential, saying, "It gives us something fun. It gives us something to look forward to and do together." The family Olympics have become an annual tradition for them, with attendance being non-negotiable.
While the stakes are high in the AFC Championship game, Christian and Jonah acknowledge that their rivalry extends beyond Sunday's matchup. The loser will likely face intense trash talk from the other brother, which they both admit to being aware of.
The family Olympics provide a glimpse into the Elliss siblings' strong bond and competitive spirit. Regardless of who wins on Sunday, one thing is certain β the Elliss brothers are ready for an epic battle on the football field.
The stage is set for an intriguing matchup in the AFC Championship game as two brothers with a shared last name face off against each other. Christian Elliss, a linebacker for the New England Patriots, will be pitted against his younger brother, Jonah Elliss, who plays for the Denver Broncos.
Growing up, Christian and Jonah would recreate their favorite football hits from games in their parents' basement, showcasing their passion for the sport. Their father, Luther Elliss, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, recalled that his sons were always eager to test boundaries and push limits. "Always willing to test the parameters of rules, if you will," he said.
Christian, who signed with the Patriots in 2023, finished the regular season second on the team in tackles with 94. His brother Jonah, a third-round pick out of Utah last year, hopes to make an impact on special teams against his sibling.
The brothers' love for competition extends beyond football. They've made the Elliss Family Olympics an annual event, competing in activities such as cornhole, Catan, and dodgeball. The events are decided by a family vote, and team captains are chosen based on previous year's performance.
"Everybody gets to participate, and it's just a lot of fun," Christian said about the competition. "We're all very competitive, so we always push each other."
Luther Elliss emphasized that family bonding is essential, saying, "It gives us something fun. It gives us something to look forward to and do together." The family Olympics have become an annual tradition for them, with attendance being non-negotiable.
While the stakes are high in the AFC Championship game, Christian and Jonah acknowledge that their rivalry extends beyond Sunday's matchup. The loser will likely face intense trash talk from the other brother, which they both admit to being aware of.
The family Olympics provide a glimpse into the Elliss siblings' strong bond and competitive spirit. Regardless of who wins on Sunday, one thing is certain β the Elliss brothers are ready for an epic battle on the football field.