Eli Apple facts for kids

Eli Apple (born August 9, 1995) is an American professional football player. He plays as a cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. While there, he helped his team win the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. The New York Giants chose him in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins.

Early Life & High School Football

Eli Apple was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. He attended Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees. Experts like Rivals.com saw him as a top player. He was the best prospect in New Jersey for the 2013 class.

Many colleges offered him scholarships. These included Alabama and Ohio State. In 2012, he decided to play for Ohio State.

College Football Journey

Apple joined Ohio State in January 2013. He was considered a top player. He did not play in his first year, which is called a redshirt year. He started playing in 2014 as a redshirt freshman.

He played in important games like the 2015 Sugar Bowl. He also played in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. In his second year, he was named the Defensive MVP for the Buckeyes.

Starting a Professional NFL Career

Becoming a Draft Pick

On January 4, 2016, Eli Apple decided to enter the 2016 NFL draft. He attended the NFL Scouting Combine. This is where players show their skills to NFL teams. He was one of the fastest players in the 40-yard dash.

Experts thought he would be picked early in the first round. He was seen as one of the best cornerback players available.

Playing for the New York Giants

The New York Giants picked Eli Apple in the first round. He was the 10th player chosen overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the second cornerback picked that year.

Rookie Season in 2016

In May 2016, Apple signed a four-year contract with the Giants. He started his first season as the third cornerback. He also played as the first-team nickelback.

He played his first professional game against the Dallas Cowboys. He made four tackles in that game. Apple had his first career start on September 25, 2016. He later had a season-high nine tackles in a game.

On December 4, 2016, Apple made his first career interception. He caught a pass from Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He finished his first year with 51 tackles and one interception.

2017 Season with the Giants

Apple began the 2017 season as a starting cornerback. He played alongside Janoris Jenkins. He made seven tackles in the first game.

He faced some challenges during this season. He ended the 2017 season with 49 tackles.

2018 Season Start

The Giants' new coach, Pat Shurmur, gave Apple a fresh start. Apple was set to be a starting cornerback. He played in five games for the Giants in 2018. He made 23 tackles before being traded.

Moving to the New Orleans Saints

On October 23, 2018, the New York Giants traded Apple. He went to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints needed more players in their defensive backfield.

Saints coach Sean Payton immediately made Apple a starting cornerback. He joined his former Ohio State teammates, Marshon Lattimore and Vonn Bell. Apple made his Saints debut on October 28, 2018. He had nine tackles in that game. On November 11, 2018, he got his first interception with the Saints.

In 2019, he started 15 games for the Saints. He recorded 58 tackles.

Time with the Carolina Panthers

On May 29, 2020, Apple signed a one-year contract. He joined the Carolina Panthers. He was placed on injured reserve early in the season. This was due to ankle and foot injuries. He was released by the team in October 2020.

Playing for the Cincinnati Bengals

On March 23, 2021, Apple signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He started 18 games in the 2021 season. He recorded 49 tackles and two interceptions. The Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI that year.

Apple re-signed with the Bengals in March 2022. In the 2022 season, he had 49 tackles and eight passes defended.

Joining the Miami Dolphins

On July 29, 2023, Apple signed with the Miami Dolphins. This happened after their starting cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, got injured.

With the Los Angeles Chargers

On October 15, 2024, Apple joined the Los Angeles Chargers. He was first on their practice squad. He was later moved to the active roster. On November 27, he was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. He was activated again on January 10, 2025.

NFL Career Statistics

Here are Eli Apple's career statistics in the NFL:

Personal Life

Eli Apple was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother is Annie Apple and his stepfather is Tim Apple. He was raised in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. He is also the nephew of actor and comedian Michael Blackson. In 2012, he changed his name from Eli Woodard to Eli Apple.