Kevin Marcus Ellison (January 8, 1987 – c. October 6, 2018) was an American football player who played the safety position. Born in Inglewood, California, Ellison rose through high school and collegiate ranks to reach the professional level. He is primarily remembered for his time at the University of Southern California and for being selected in the 2009 NFL Draft before spending parts of several seasons with National Football League clubs.
College career
At USC Ellison played defensive back, where he developed as a versatile safety with responsibilities in both run support and pass coverage. During his college tenure he contributed on defense and on special teams, earning playing time in a program that routinely produced NFL prospects. His collegiate play attracted attention from professional scouts leading into the 2009 draft.
Professional career
Ellison was drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Over the course of his professional career he worked to establish a role on active rosters and practice squads, contributing primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. He later joined the organization of the Seattle Seahawks and spent time with other teams in NFL preseason camps and practice units. The league in which he competed is the National Football League.
Timeline and roles
- High school standout in California; recruited to play at USC.
- Collegiate starter and special teams contributor at USC.
- Selected in the 2009 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
- Later affiliated with the Seattle Seahawks and other NFL organizations in subsequent seasons.
Death and legacy
Ellison died in October 2018 at the age of 31; his death was announced by the University of Southern California. The announcement and subsequent reporting confirmed his passing but offered limited public detail about the circumstances. Teammates, coaches and fans remember him for his physical play and for following a path from high school standout to college starter to professional athlete. His career is representative of many players who transition between active rosters and practice squads while pursuing opportunities in the NFL.
For more on the safety position and roles similar to Ellison’s, see general descriptions of the safety position and the development path from college programs to the professional ranks.