Onzy Elam

American football player (born 1964)

American football player

Onzy ElamNo. 52, 53

Position:| Linebacker
Personal information
Born:|  (1964-12-01) December 1, 1964 (age 60)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Height:| 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:| 225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school:| Miami Northwestern
(Miami, Florida)
College:| Tennessee State (1982–1986)
NFL draft:| 1987: 3rd round, 75th pick
Career history

* New York Jets (1987–1988)
* Washington Redskins (1989)*
* Dallas Cowboys (1989)

* Offseason and/or practice squad member only

Stats at Pro Football Reference

Onzy Warren Elam (born December 1, 1964) is an American former professional football linebacker who played three seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. He was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 1987 NFL draft after playing college football at Tennessee State University.

## Early life and college

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Onzy Warren Elam was born on December 1, 1964, in Miami, Florida.[1] He attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Miami.[1]

Elam played college football for the Tennessee State Tigers of Tennessee State University. He was redshirted in 1982 as a strong safety.[2] He converted to linebacker in 1983 and was a four-year letterman from 1983 to 1986.[1][2] Elam was inducted into the school's athletics hall of fame in 2024.[2]

## Professional career

[edit]

Elam was selected by the New York Jets in the third round, with the 75th overall pick, of the 1987 NFL draft.[3] He officially signed with the team on July 23.[4] He played in five games for the Jets during the 1987 season.[3] Elam appeared in four games in 1988 before being placed on injured reserve on October 4, 1988.[4][3] He became a free agent after the season.[4]

Elam signed with the Washington Redskins on February 22, 1989.[4] He was released on August 29, 1989.[4]

Elam was signed by the Dallas Cowboys on September 27, 1989.[4] He played in one game for the Cowboys before being released on October 3, 1989.[4][3]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Onzy Elam". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
2. ^ a b c "Tennessee State Athletics Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Class". Tennessee State University. February 26, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
3. ^ a b c d "Onzy Elam". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
4. ^ a b c d e f g "Onzy Elam Transactions". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved April 11, 2025.

* v
* t
* e

New York Jets 1987 NFL draft selections

* Roger Vick
* Alex Gordon
* Onzy Elam
* Kirby Jackson
* Tracy Martin
* Gerald Nichols
* Eddie Hunter
* Mike Rice
* Ron McLean
* Sid Lewis
* Kirk Timmer
* Bill Ransdell

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*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template