Matt Elam

Matthew D. Elam (born September 21, 1991) is an American football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida, where he earned All-American honors. He was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Elam was born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He attended William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, where he played linebacker, defensive back, running back and wide receiver for the Dwyer Panthers high school football team. As a senior, he had 1,883 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. He was named Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year and Mr. Football for the state of Florida, and a USA Today high school All-American. He played in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he announced his intent to play at the University of Florida during the game. He is the younger brother of former NFL safety Abram Elam.

Elam accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Urban Meyer and coach Will Muschamp's Florida Gators football teams from 2010 to 2012. As a freshman in 2010, Elam played in all 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. As a full-time starter during his 2011 sophomore season, he had 78 tackles, two interceptions and two quarterback sacks. Following his junior season in 2012, he was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, The Sporting News, CBS Sports, Scout.com and Sports Illustrated, as well as a second-team selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and a semifinalist for both the Thorpe Award and Bednarik Award.

College statistics

2013 NFL Draft

Elam was viewed as one of the top safeties in 2013 years draft class. Some experts and scouts said he lacked size for a safety with just a height of 5' 10" and maybe should be moved to corner because of that. He is known for his ability to make electrifying plays all over the field and for his emotional leadership. Most experts projected Elam to go in the mid to late first round of the NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the first round (32nd overall pick) of the 2013 NFL Draft. On December 16, 2013, Elam had a breakout performance against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, recording 10 tackles and his first career interception. After a promising rookie season, Elam struggled the following year causing him to lose playing time. On August 31, Elam was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a torn bicep.

On May 2, 2016 the Ravens optioned not to pick up the fifth year of his contract. On September 5, 2016, Elam was placed on injured reserve. Elam was activated off injured reserve on November 5, 2016 prior to Week 9.

NFL career statistics

Note: Statistics are correct through Week 17 of the 2014 NFL season.