Jake Elliott: The Kicking Sensation of the NFL

The Early Years: From Tennis to Football

Jake Elliott, affectionately known as "Jake the Make" for his exceptional kicking ability, is an American football placekicker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). As a vital member of the Eagles' Super Bowl LII championship team, Elliott has solidified his position as one of the league's top kickers.

Born on January 21, 1995, in Western Springs, Illinois, to Bruce and Diane Elliott, Jake was destined for greatness. As a multi-talented youth, he excelled in various sports, including baseball, basketball, and tennis. His early years saw him ranked among the state's best youth tennis players. However, fate had other plans, and Jake's life took a dramatic turn when a Lyons assistant coach discovered his talent at a Homecoming student field goal kicking contest.

Rise to Prominence: High School and College Years

Elliott's introduction to football led him to attend Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois, where he began playing football. During his junior year, he made a remarkable 52-yard field goal with no time remaining to beat Oak Park River Forest High School, 16-14. This outstanding performance earned him an ESPNHS Underclass All-State selection and a First-team All-State recognition by the Chicago Tribune.

As a senior, Jake made 15 of 21 field goal attempts, securing a spot on the Kohl's All-America List as a Second-team kicker. His exceptional skills caught the attention of top colleges, and he eventually chose to play for the University of Memphis, where he played under head coaches Justin Fuente, Darrell Dickey, and Mike Norvell from 2013 to 2016.

College Career: Setting Records and Breaking Barriers

During his time at Memphis, Elliott established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As a freshman, he connected on 16 of 18 field goals, setting a Memphis record with his 56-yard field goal at USF, breaking the 2005 record of 53 yards set by Stephen Gostkowski. This remarkable feat earned him the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Special Teams Player of the Week accolade.

Elliott's college career was filled with impressive milestones, including being the top scorer for the Tigers in his freshman season, with 72 points scored (24/24 extra points and 16/18 field goals).

NFL Career: The Philadelphia Eagles and Beyond

Jake Elliott's NFL journey began when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2017. However, his big break came when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he became an integral part of their Super Bowl LII championship team.

Awards and Accolades

• NFL Super Bowl LII Champion (2018)
• American Athletic Conference (AAC) Special Teams Player of the Week (2013)
• Kohl's All-America List Second-team kicker (2012)
• ESPNHS Underclass All-State selection (2011)
• Chicago Tribune First-team All-State (2011)

Legacy and Impact

Jake Elliott's remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and natural talent. As a NFL kicker, he continues to inspire and thrill fans with his exceptional skills. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, it takes just one opportunity to change the course of one's life. From tennis to football, Jake Elliott's rise to fame is a true underdog story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

As "Jake the Make" continues to make his mark on the NFL, fans eagerly await what the future holds for this talented kicker. One thing is certain – Jake Elliott's name will be etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the greatest kickers of all time.