Matt Elam

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Matt Elam

| image = Matt Elam.jpg

| caption = Elam with the DC Defenders in 2020

| current_team = Massachusetts Pirates

| number = 5

| position = Safety

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|9|21|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 10

| weight_lbs = 208

| high_school = William T. Dwyer
(Palm Beach Gardens, Florida)

| college = Florida (2010–2012)

| draftyear = 2013

| draftround = 1

| draftpick = 32

| pastteams =

Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2013}}–{{NFL Year|2016}})
Saskatchewan Roughriders ({{CFL Year|2018}})
DC Defenders ({{XFL Year|2020}})
Tucson Sugar Skulls ({{IFL Year|2021}})
Vegas Knight Hawks ({{IFL Year|2022}})*
Edmonton Elks ({{CFL Year|2022}})
Vegas Knight Hawks ({{IFL Year|2022}}–{{IFL Year|2023}})
Orlando Guardians ({{XFL Year|2023}})
Orlando Predators ({{AFL Year|2024}})*
Massachusetts Pirates ({{IFL Year|2024}}–present)

| status = Active

| cflstatus =

| highlights =

First-team All-American (2012)
First-team All-SEC (2012)

| statleague = NFL

| statweek =

| statseason =

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 131

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 0.5

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 1

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 2

| statlabel5 = Interceptions

| statvalue5 = 1

| cfl = matt-elam/164009/

| pfr = E/ElamMa00

}}

Matthew D. Elam (born September 21, 1991) is an American professional football safety for the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators, where he earned All-American honors. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft.

Early life

Elam was born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He attended William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, where he played linebacker, defensive back, running back and wide receiver for the Dwyer Panthers high school football team. As a senior, he had 1,883 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. He was named Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year and Mr. Football for the state of Florida,[http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2009/12/03/gatorade-names-matt-elam-florida-player-of-the-year/ GATORADE NAMES MATT ELAM FLORIDA PLAYER OF THE YEAR] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130131104749/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2009/12/03/gatorade-names-matt-elam-florida-player-of-the-year/ |date=January 31, 2013 }}[http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2010/01/20/matt-elam-will-be-named-2009-mr-football/ MATT ELAM WILL BE NAMED 2009 MR. FOOTBALL] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128203846/http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2010/01/20/matt-elam-will-be-named-2009-mr-football/ |date=January 28, 2010 }} and a USA Today high school All-American. He played in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he announced his intent to play at the University of Florida during the game.

College career

Elam accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Urban Meyer and coach Will Muschamp's Florida Gators football teams from 2010 to 2012. As a freshman in 2010, Elam played in all 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. As a full-time starter during his 2011 sophomore season, he had 78 tackles, two interceptions and two quarterback sacks. Following his junior season in 2012, he was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, The Sporting News, CBS Sports, Scout.com and Sports Illustrated, as well as a second-team selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and a semifinalist for both the Thorpe Award and Bednarik Award.

=College statistics=

class="wikitable"
colspan="3" \|Career statistics ! colspan="3" \|Tackles !\|Sacks ! colspan="3" \|Interceptions ! colspan="5" \|Other
Season !Games !Starts !Solo !Ast !Total !Sack !TFL !Int !Yds !IntTD !DefTD !FFum !FRec !PD
2010 \|13 \|0 \|16 \|6 \|22 \|1.0 \|1.5 \|0 \|0 \|0 \|0 \|0 \|0 \|1
2011 \|13 \|13 \|50 \|28 \|78 \|2.0 \|11.0 \|2 \|18 \|0 \|0 \|2 \|0 \|7
2012 \|13 \|13 \|58 \|18 \|76 \|2.0 \|11.0 \|4 \|73 \|0 \|0 \|1 \|0 \|5
Totals \|39 \|26 \|124 \|52 \|176 \|5.0 \|23.5 \|6 \|91 \|0 \|0 \|3 \|0 \|13

class="wikitable"

colspan="3" |Career statistics

! colspan="3" |Tackles

!|Sacks

! colspan="3" |Interceptions

! colspan="5" |Other

Season

!Games

!Starts

!Solo

!Ast

!Total

!Sack

!TFL

!Int

!Yds

!IntTD

!DefTD

!FFum

!FRec

!PD

2010

|13

|16

|22

|1.0

|1.5

2011

|13

|50

|28

|78

|2.0

|11.0

|18

2012

|13

|58

|18

|76

|2.0

|11.0

|73

Totals

|39

|26

|124

|52

|176

|5.0

|23.5

|91

|13

{{cite web |title=cfbstats.com - Matt Elam 2012 Player Statistics - Florida Gators |url=http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/player/235/1031892/index.html |website=cfbstats.com |access-date=26 September 2022}}

{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/15789/matt-elam| title = Matt Elam Game by Game Stats and Performance {{!}} ESPN}}

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

Elam was viewed as one of the top safeties in 2013 years draft class. Some experts and scouts said he lacked size for a safety with just a height of 5' 10" and maybe should be moved to corner because of that. He is known for his ability to make electrifying plays all over the field and for his emotional leadership. Most experts projected Elam to go mid- or in the late first round of the NFL Draft.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737092 |title=Matt Elam, SS, Florida, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com |website=www.cbssports.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126180555/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737092 |archive-date=2013-01-26}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 9+7/8

| weight = 208

| dash = 4.54

| ten split = 1.58

| twenty split = 2.53

| shuttle =

| cone drill =

| vertical = 35.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 10

| bench = 17

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 32+5/8

| hand span = 9

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/matt-elam?id=2540153|title = Matt Elam Stats, News and Video - SS|website = NFL.com}}

}}

=Baltimore Ravens=

File:Matt elam ravens.jpg

The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the first round (32nd overall pick) of the 2013 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/9211680/2013-nfl-draft-kansas-city-chiefs-select-eric-fisher-no-1-overall-pick|title=Chiefs make Eric Fisher top pick|date=April 25, 2013|work=ESPN|access-date=April 26, 2013 }} After a promising rookie season, Elam struggled the following year causing him to lose playing time. On August 31, 2015, Elam was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a torn bicep and missed the entire 2015 NFL season.{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Place-Carl-Davis-Matt-Elam-On-IR-Sign-Devin-Hester/57730073-5ef4-4a99-8b3c-0915ed0ddea9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035257/http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Place-Carl-Davis-Matt-Elam-On-IR-Sign-Devin-Hester/57730073-5ef4-4a99-8b3c-0915ed0ddea9|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 1, 2017|title=Ravens Place Matt Elam, Three Others On Injured Reserve|date=August 31, 2015|work=baltimoreravens.com|access-date=September 1, 2015 }}

On May 2, 2016, the Ravens did not pick up the optional fifth year of his contract.{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens| title = Baltimore Ravens NFL - Ravens News, Scores, Stats, Rumors & More - ESPN}} On September 5, 2016, Elam was placed on injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Ravens Place Carl Davis, Matt Elam on IR, Sign Devin Hester|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Place-Carl-Davis-Matt-Elam-On-IR-Sign-Devin-Hester/57730073-5ef4-4a99-8b3c-0915ed0ddea9|last=Mink|first=Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} Elam was activated off injured reserve on November 5, 2016 prior to Week 9.{{cite web|title=Ravens Safety Matt Elam Activated to 53-Man Roster|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Safety-Matt-Elam-Activated-To-53-Man-Roster/e7b372bc-4f60-4c8a-b730-d734dc818012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206140144/http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Safety-Matt-Elam-Activated-To-53-Man-Roster/e7b372bc-4f60-4c8a-b730-d734dc818012|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 6, 2017|author=Ryan, Mink|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=November 5, 2016}}

With declining performance since his rookie year, missing significant playing time, and given the Ravens decision to not pick up the final year of his rookie contract, Elam was considered a bust given his status as a first-round draft pick.{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/baltimore-ravens-3-biggest-draft-busts-in-franchise-history-012417|title=Baltimore Ravens: 3 Biggest Draft Busts In Franchise History {{!}} FOX Sports|date=January 24, 2017|newspaper=FOX Sports|access-date=February 8, 2017|language=en-US}}

After his arrest on February 26, 2017, the Ravens released a statement regarding the upcoming free agent, stating "we are aware of the arrest of Matt Elam. Matt is not in our plans for the 2017 Ravens", indicating their plans of moving on from Elam.{{cite web|title=Reports: Matt Elam Arrested In Florida On Drug Charges|url=http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Reports-Matt-Elam-Arrested-In-Florida-On-Drug-Charges/66f71fc3-12e9-41e8-a3dc-d669d2df2e35|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=February 26, 2017}}

=Saskatchewan Roughriders=

Elam was signed to the practice roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on July 2, 2018. He was promoted to the active roster on July 24, but was placed on the suspended list on November 7. He was released on May 24, 2019.

=DC Defenders=

In October 2019, Elam was picked by the DC Defenders during the open phase of the 2020 XFL Draft.{{cite web|last=Bender|first=Bill|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-draft-tracker-results-picks-list-rosters-football-league/jahz8p84e4i61hb8lajqs4a22|title=XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league|website=Sporting News|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 23, 2019}} He was waived on March 3, 2020.{{cite news |author=Alper, Josh |title=Matt Elam waived by XFL's D.C. Defenders] |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/04/matt-elam-waived-by-xfls-d-c-defenders/ |website=NBCSports.com }}

=Tucson Sugar Skulls=

On March 13, 2021, Elam signed with the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League (IFL).{{cite web |first=Steven |last=Cusumano |title=Former NFL First Round DB, Elam Signs with Tucson |url=https://tucsonsugarskulls.com/news/2021/3/21/general-former-nfl-first-round-db-elam-signs-with-tucson.aspx |website=TucsonSugarSkulls.com |date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=April 6, 2021}}

=Vegas Knight Hawks (first stint)=

In November 2021, Elam signed with the Vegas Knight Hawks of the IFL for the 2022 season.{{cite web | url=https://pfnewsroom.com/news/ifls-vegas-knight-hawks-sign-former-dc-defender-safety-matt-elam/ | title=IFL’s Vegas Knight Hawks Sign Former DC Defender Safety Matt Elam | publisher=pfnewsroom.com | date=November 13, 2021 | accessdate=May 30, 2024 | author=Rachuk, Stephan}}

=Edmonton Elks=

The Edmonton Elks of the CFL announced the signing of Elam on January 26, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.goelks.com/2022/01/26/transactions-elks-add-several-big-names/ |title=Elks add several big names |publisher=Edmonton Elks |date=January 26, 2022 |accessdate=January 26, 2022}} He was released on June 27, 2022.{{cite web | url=https://3downnation.com/2022/06/27/edmonton-elks-release-five-including-starting-defensive-back-matt-elam/ | title=Edmonton Elks release five, including starting defensive back Matt Elam | date=June 27, 2022 }}

=Vegas Knight Hawks (second stint)=

On July 2, 2022, it was reported that Elam had signed with the Knight Hawks.{{cite web | url=https://knighthawksfootball.com/news/2022/7/2/football-preview-vs-bap-july-2.aspx | title=PREVIEW VS BAP: JULY 2 | publisher=knighthawksfootball.com | date=July 2, 2022 | accessdate=May 30, 2024}}

=Orlando Guardians=

Elam was selected in the 11th round of the 2023 XFL Defensive Backs Draft, by the Orlando Guardians.{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/xfl-2022-draft-tracker-results-and-rosters/ | title=XFL 2022 Draft Tracker: Live Draft Results and Rosters from Day 1 and Day 2 | date=November 17, 2022 }}

= Orlando Predators =

On December 5, 2023, Elam signed with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C0eY8aqKs82/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=www.instagram.com}}

= Massachusetts Pirates =

On February 5, 2024, Elam signed with the Massachusetts Pirates.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-05 |title=Pirates Sign Former NFL DB Matt Elam |url=https://masspiratesfootball.com/news/2024/2/5/football-pirates-sign-former-nfl-db-matt-elam.aspx |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=Massachusetts Pirates |language=en}}

=NFL career statistics=

Season	Team	{{tooltip\|GP\|Games played (regular season)}}	{{tooltip\|GS\|Games started (regular season)}}	{{Tooltip\| Comb \| Combined tackles}}	{{Tooltip\| Total \| Total tackles}}	{{Tooltip\| Ast \| Assisted tackles}}	{{Tooltip\| Sck \| Sacks}}	{{Tooltip\| PDef \| Passes defended}}	{{Tooltip\| Int \| Interceptions}}	{{Tooltip\| Yds \| Return yards}}	{{Tooltip\| Avg \| Average return yards}}	{{Tooltip\| Lng \| Long interception}}	{{Tooltip\| TDs \| Touchdowns}}	{{Tooltip\| FF \| Forced fumbles}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
2013	Baltimore Ravens	16	15	77	54	23	0.0	3	1	18	18.0	18	0	0
2014	Baltimore Ravens	16	11	50	31	19	0.5	4	0	0	0	0	0	1
2016	Baltimore Ravens	9	0	4	4	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
\|\| Total ! 41\|\| 26 \|\| 131 \|\| 89 \|\| 42 \|\| 0.5 \|\| 7 \|\| 1 \|\| 18 \|\| 18.0 \|\| 18 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|1

Personal life

His older brother, Abram Elam, also played safety for eight seasons (2005)–(2013) in the NFL after going undrafted in 2005. He went on to notably play for the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys. His nephew, Kaiir Elam, is the son of Abram and currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys after being selected in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |last=Winkeljohn |first=Matt |date=December 21, 2009 |title=Elam succeeds in the wake of tragedy |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/news/story?id=4761284 |access-date=December 22, 2009 |website=ESPN}}{{cite web | title= UF's Elam shows strength in times of tragedy | work= foxsportsflorida.com | url=http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/08/25/12/UFs-Elam-shows-strength-in-times-of-trag/landing_gators.html?blockID=780653|access-date=August 25, 2012}}

=Legal troubles=

On February 26, 2017, Elam was arrested in Miami, Florida for possession of 126.2 grams of marijuana and 3.1 grams of oxycodone.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Michael David|title=Ravens' Matt Elam arrested on drug charges|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/02/26/ravens-matt-elam-arrested-on-drug-charges/|access-date=February 26, 2017|work=Profootballtalk.com|date=February 26, 2017}} He was charged with one count of cannabis possession, one count of possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. On June 26, 2017, the drug charges were dropped.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19742677/miami-drug-charges-dropped-vs-ex-baltimore-ravens-safety-matt-elam| title=Drug charges dropped vs. Matt Elam in Miami-Dade County| access-date=October 29, 2017| website=ESPN.com| date=June 26, 2017}}

On May 22, 2017, Elam was arrested on battery and theft charges involving a dispute with his girlfriend over an iPhone. Delray Beach Police charged him with suspicion of grand theft and misdemeanor battery after confrontation and was booked in Palm Beach County Jail and had a bond set at $4,500. According to a police report, he went to his girlfriend's residence to pick up a vehicle and attempted to grab her iPhone from her hand after she refused to give him his money. During the process of grabbing the phone, the couple fell to the ground and continued to struggle over it. She then entered his vehicle and took his cell phone and Elam responded by leaving after she refused to return it.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/05/22/matt-elam-arrested-former-baltimore-ravens-safety-battery-gran-theft/102023466/| title=Ex-Ravens S Matt Elam arrested on suspicion of battery, grand theft| access-date=October 29, 2017| website=usatoday.com| author=A.J. Perez| date=May 22, 2017}} On June 21, 2017, the charges were dropped after the prosecutor said the accuser would not cooperate and they had insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19699156/theft-battery-charges-dropped-matt-elam| title=Ex-Ravens safety Matt Elam has grand theft, battery charges dropped| access-date=October 29, 2017| website=ESPN.com| date=June 21, 2017}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20130703150934/http://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/roster/matt-elam/2dbb8951-b74c-4c36-a70a-3dd88dc9a711/ Matt Elam] – Baltimore Ravens player profile
[https://web.archive.org/web/20130503180915/http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2012&player_id=236 Matt Elam] – Florida Gators athlete profile

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football safeties

Category:Florida Gators football players

Category:Baltimore Ravens players

Category:Sportspeople from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Category:Players of American football from Palm Beach County, Florida

Category:Saskatchewan Roughriders players

Category:Canadian football defensive backs

Category:DC Defenders players

Category:Edmonton Elks players

Category:Orlando Guardians players