Dannell Ellerbe

Dannell Ellerbe made his mark in the NFL the hard way. After going undrafted out of Georgia in 2009, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens and spent nine seasons proving he belonged on the field with the best linebackers in football.

At 6’1” and 236 pounds, Ellerbe wasn’t the biggest guy on the field, but he had a knack for being in the right place at crucial moments. That showed up most memorably in the 2013 AFC Championship game when he picked off Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter, helping send Baltimore to Super Bowl XLVII. The Ravens won that championship, giving Ellerbe his first ring.

Born in North Carolina on November 29, 1985, Ellerbe was a standout at Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, where he played both football and ran track. He earned All-State honors and was named Defensive MVP of the Shrine Bowl after recording nine tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. That performance helped him land at Georgia as a four-star recruit.

During his four years with the Bulldogs, Ellerbe appeared in 43 games and racked up 148 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three interceptions. His junior season was particularly strong, earning him second-team All-SEC recognition from multiple outlets. Despite his college production, NFL teams passed on him in the draft.

The Ravens took a chance on him as a free agent, and Ellerbe made the most of it. He spent four seasons in Baltimore, contributing to one of the league’s top defenses. In 2013, he signed with Miami, where he had his most productive statistical season with 101 tackles, two picks, and a sack. Injuries slowed him down the following year, leading to a trade to New Orleans in 2015.

After two injury-plagued seasons with the Saints, Ellerbe found himself released before the 2017 season. He waited until November before Philadelphia signed him, initially as depth. But the Eagles coaching staff found ways to use his experience, and Ellerbe played a role in their playoff run. When Philadelphia beat New England 41-33 in Super Bowl LII, Ellerbe earned his second championship ring.

Over his career, Ellerbe played in 80 games with 10.5 sacks, proving that undrafted players can make lasting impacts in the NFL. His journey from overlooked prospect to two-time Super Bowl champion shows what persistence and preparation can accomplish at football’s highest level.