Ellis attended the University of Tennessee, where he played as a tight end for the Tennessee football team.[1] In the 2014 and 2015 seasons, he totaled 14 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown.[2]
On May 9, 2016, Ellis signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent.[4] On September 2, 2016, Ellis was waived by the Titans as part of final roster cuts.[5]
Jacksonville Jaguars
On September 5, 2016, Ellis was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad.[6] On November 26, 2016, he was promoted to their active roster, where he played his first NFL game against the Buffalo Bills.[7]
On September 2, 2017, Ellis was waived by the Jaguars.[8]
New Orleans Saints
On November 29, 2017, Ellis was signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad.[9] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on January 16, 2018.[10] He was waived by the Saints on May 7, 2018.[11]
Kansas City Chiefs
Ellis was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs on May 8, 2018.[12] He was waived with an injury designation by the Chiefs on October 2, 2018. After going unclaimed on waivers, the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve.[13]
Philadelphia Eagles
On August 2, 2019, Ellis was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.[14] He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019,[15] and re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day.[16] On September 6, 2019, he was promoted to the 53-man roster as the team's third tight end.[17] He was waived again on September 10,[18] and re-signed to the team's practice squad on September 11. He was promoted to the team's active roster again on September 17.[19] After suffering a knee injury in week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, Ellis was waived/injured on October 4,[20] and subsequently reverted to the team's injured reserve list after clearing waivers on October 7. He was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement on October 15. He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 16, 2019. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 6, 2020.[21] He was waived on July 17, 2020.[22]
Ellis was signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals on November 9, 2021.[27] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Cardinals on January 19, 2022.[28] He was released on July 26, 2022.[29]
The Arlington Renegades traded Ellis to the DC Defenders on March 6, 2023.[31] Ellis finished the season with eight receptions for 59 yards and four touchdowns.[32] He re-signed with the team on March 11, 2024.[33]
