40 Facts About Eli Apple

Early Life and Background

Eli Apple, a name synonymous with football excellence, has a fascinating journey that began long before he stepped onto the professional field. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on August 9, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Eli Apple grew up in a sports-loving family.
2. His birth name was actually Eli Woodard, but he later changed it to Apple, adopting his stepfather's surname.
3. Eli attended Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, New Jersey, where he showcased his athletic prowess.
4. He was a standout player in high school, earning a spot in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
5. Apple was rated as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, one of the top recruiting services in the country.

College Career

Eli Apple's college career at Ohio State University was nothing short of spectacular. His time with the Buckeyes laid the foundation for his professional success.

6. Apple committed to Ohio State University, where he played from 2013 to 2015.
7. He redshirted his freshman year, giving him an extra year of eligibility and time to develop his skills.
8. In 2014, he played in all 15 games, starting in 14 of them, and helped lead Ohio State to a National Championship.
9. Apple was named Defensive MVP of the 2016 Fiesta Bowl after an impressive performance against Notre Dame.
10. He declared for the NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

NFL Draft and Early Professional Career

Eli Apple's transition to the NFL was marked by significant milestones and challenges. His early professional career saw him making headlines for various reasons.

11. Apple was selected 10th overall in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
12. He was the second cornerback taken in the draft, following Jalen Ramsey.
13. In his rookie season, Apple played in 14 games, starting in 11, and recorded 51 tackles and an interception.
14. Despite a promising start, his time with the Giants was marred by controversies and disciplinary issues.
15. In 2017, he was suspended for the final game of the season due to conduct detrimental to the team.

Career with the New Orleans Saints

After his stint with the Giants, Eli Apple found a new home with the New Orleans Saints, where he aimed to revitalize his career.

16. Apple was traded to the Saints in October 2018 in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
17. He quickly became a key player in the Saints' secondary, starting in all 10 games he played that season.
18. In his first game with the Saints, he recorded five tackles and a pass deflection against the Minnesota Vikings.
19. Apple helped the Saints reach the NFC Championship Game in the 2018 season, though they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.
20. He finished the 2018 season with 52 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass deflections.

Later Career and Teams

Eli Apple's journey in the NFL has seen him don multiple jerseys, each chapter adding to his rich career narrative.

21. In 2020, Apple signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.
22. Unfortunately, injuries limited his playing time with the Panthers, and he was released in October 2020.
23. He then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2021, reuniting with his former Ohio State defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
24. Apple played a crucial role in the Bengals' defense, starting in 15 games during the 2021 season.
25. He helped the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI, though they were defeated by the Los Angeles Rams.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the football field, Eli Apple has a life filled with personal interests and commitments that shape who he is.

26. Apple is known for his close relationship with his mother, Annie Apple, who is a well-known sports journalist and advocate.
27. He has a passion for fashion and often shares his stylish outfits on social media.
28. Apple is also an avid gamer, frequently streaming his gameplay on platforms like Twitch.
29. He is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting youth football programs.
30. Apple has spoken openly about mental health, advocating for athletes to seek help when needed.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Eli Apple's life is dotted with fun and lesser-known facts that add color to his already vibrant persona.

31. Despite his professional success, Apple remains a humble and approachable individual.
32. He has a pet dog named Zeus, who often features in his social media posts.
33. Apple once appeared on an episode of the TV show "Family Feud" with his family.
34. He enjoys cooking and often experiments with new recipes in his free time.
35. Apple is a fan of superhero movies, with Spider-Man being his favorite character.

Achievements and Recognition

Eli Apple's career is decorated with numerous achievements and recognitions that highlight his contributions to the sport.

36. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016.
37. Apple has recorded over 300 tackles, five interceptions, and 50 pass deflections in his NFL career.
38. He played a pivotal role in the Bengals' 2021 AFC Championship win.
39. Apple has been praised for his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
40. His journey from a high school standout to an NFL star serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.

Eli Apple's Journey in the NFL

Eli Apple's career in the NFL has been nothing short of eventful. From his early days as a standout at Ohio State to his time with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals, Apple's journey has been filled with ups and downs. His talent on the field is undeniable, but he's also faced challenges that have tested his resilience.

Apple's story is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Despite the hurdles, he continues to push forward, showing that determination can keep you in the game. Whether you're a fan of his or just love football, Eli Apple's career offers plenty of lessons about hard work, adaptability, and staying true to oneself.

As he continues to play, it'll be interesting to see what the future holds for this talented cornerback.