Jabari Ellis making a name for himself in the CFL, continues to give back to South Carolina
When Jabari Ellis was released from the New York Giants last July, he felt like his world was flipped upside down.
“Going through it, it was definitely tough. But in hindsight making it out of my first year, there’s not much that can get to me on the mental side of it,” said Ellis. “I like to say that now I’m stronger than ever. I just want to keep on pressing as life goes on.”
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As the old saying goes, when one door closes and another one opens. Shortly after being released by the Giants, he received an opportunity to play for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.
“I never thought I’d visit Canada, to be honest. I didn’t even have a passport but it’s crazy how it worked. The Giants were the ones who got the passport for me. It came in the mail one week before I made the decision to go to Canada. So I’m like, ‘man, it must be meant to be.'”
Unlike like the NFL, the CFL starts their regular season in June. Because of this, it wasn’t until Week 20 in October, the second to last week of the regular season, that Ellis joined his new team.
“It’s really like a whole new game with the rules and everything. You’re a yard off the ball (at the line of scrimmage). The rules, the points, everything is different. I remember somebody scoring a touchdown so I’m like, ‘Well, we only need one more touchdown to tie it up. And they were like, ‘Nah. This isn’t America.'”
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Despite having to get acclimated to different rules, Ellis found himself doing what he did in his final season at South Carolina: making plays. In two games he worked his way onto the field and finished the season with two tackles. But that’s not the only place he found himself a role. In his first career CFL game, Ellis blocked a punt and recovered it for the game-winning touchdown. A Gamecock who played for Pete Lembo and Shane Beamer making plays on special teams. What else is new?
“I remember talking with Lembo about the Pro Day time and we had a long conversation about special teams. I’m gonna tell this to every guy that got drafted (last week in the NFL) or signed: special teams. That’s the way for sure. Special teams.”
Heading into his second season, Ellis is hungrier than ever. While he still has dreams to play in the NFL, he’s grateful to have found a home with the Alouettes.
“This is gonna be my first full season and I’m just looking to take advantage of it. I have a different perspective for sure. I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
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Gamecocks Giving Back
Ellis has always been one to give back to community. Especially in his home state of South Carolina. This Sunday is no different. Ellis will be holding a free “Football Family Fun Day” on the lawn of the Holly Hill Town Complex. Ellis said the event will actually start at 3 p.m. and will go until 7 p.m. It’s free and all are welcomed for a day of football, food, music, and fun. While Ellis didn’t say any specific names, he says that you can expect a handful of both current and former Gamecocks there.
