Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Christian Elliss is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his physical playing style, determination, and leadership, Elliss comes from one of the most remarkable football families in the United States.
Born on January 2, 1999, Elliss is the son of Luther Elliss and Rebecca Elliss. His father is a former NFL defensive lineman and two-time Pro Bowl selection, while his mother helped raise an extraordinary family of 12 children, including seven who were adopted.
Christian has 11 siblings: Kaden, Olivia, Noah, Isaiah, Isabelle, Sophia, Jonah, Micah, Elijah, Mia, and Colsen. Three of his brothers, Kaden, Noah, and Jonah, have also played in the NFL.
In his personal life, Christian is married to Kaysie Bruce Elliss, a former University of Idaho soccer player. The couple has three sons named Koa, Elaia, and Matai.
Here is everything you need to know about Christian Elliss’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Christian Elliss’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
Christian Elliss is no longer dating because he is married to his longtime romantic partner, Kaysie Bruce Elliss.
The couple met while attending the University of Idaho, where Christian played college football and Kaysie competed for the women’s soccer team.
Their relationship developed during their college years and continued as Christian pursued professional football.
They eventually married in 2022 and have since welcomed three sons.
Kaysie has remained an important source of support throughout Christian’s NFL career, particularly during periods when he faced roster cuts and uncertainty about his professional future.
Who Is Christian Elliss’s Wife, Kaysie Bruce?
Kaysie Elliss, whose maiden name is Kaysie Bruce, is a former college soccer player and the wife of New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss.
She grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she attended Gig Harbor High School.
During high school, Kaysie became an accomplished soccer player, receiving all-league and all-area recognition.
She later attended the University of Idaho, where she played midfielder for the Vandals women’s soccer team from 2017 through the spring 2021 season.
According to her official Idaho Athletics biography, Kaysie earned first-team All-Big Sky honors during her senior season.
She scored four goals that season, including a hat trick against Portland State in March 2021.
Her athletic background gave her firsthand experience with the discipline and demanding schedules associated with competitive sports.
How Did Christian Elliss and Kaysie Bruce Meet?
Christian Elliss and Kaysie Bruce met while studying at the University of Idaho.
Both were student-athletes, with Christian competing in football and Kaysie playing soccer.
During a February 2026 interview with The Spokesman-Review, Kaysie confirmed that she met Christian at the university.
Although the couple has not extensively discussed the details of their first date, their relationship developed while they were pursuing their athletic and educational goals.
Kaysie subsequently supported Christian after he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
When Did Christian Elliss Get Married?
Christian Elliss and Kaysie Bruce married in 2022.
The couple’s wedding website on The Knot identified their wedding period as summer 2022.
However, a specific wedding date has not been independently confirmed through major sports publications.
Their marriage occurred during Christian’s early professional football career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
As of now, Christian and Kaysie remain married and are raising their three sons together.
How Kaysie Supported Christian During His NFL Struggles
One of the most difficult periods in Christian Elliss’s professional career occurred in December 2023.
At the time, he was playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and had recently earned his first defensive start.
However, the Eagles unexpectedly released him.
Christian was devastated because he had worked for several years to establish himself in the NFL.
He and Kaysie were also raising two young children and hoped to avoid another family relocation.
According to The Spokesman-Review, Kaysie described the release as an especially painful setback.
When New England subsequently claimed Christian off waivers, he had to relocate quickly.
He spent Christmas 2023 away from his wife and children while staying at a hotel near Gillette Stadium.
To help him feel less alone, Kaysie contacted the hotel and arranged for staff to deliver a Christmas dinner to his room.
The gesture demonstrated how she continued supporting him despite the challenges of professional football.
Does Christian Elliss Have Children?
Yes. Christian Elliss and his wife Kaysie have three sons: Koa, Elaia, and Matai.
Their children’s names were confirmed in interviews published by ESPN and The Spokesman-Review in 2025 and 2026.
Christian has frequently discussed the importance of fatherhood and how his upbringing influenced his hopes for his own family.
1. Koa Elliss – Christian Elliss’s First Son
Koa Elliss is Christian and Kaysie’s oldest son.
His birth was announced in April 2021, shortly before Christian began his professional football career.
Some published reporting identifies his full name as Koa John Tuitele Elliss.
Becoming a father represented an important milestone while Christian was preparing to enter the NFL.
At the time, he was completing his college football career and participating in preparations for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Koa was still a young child when Christian experienced uncertainty about his roster position with Philadelphia in 2023.
The prospect of moving his family again made those professional setbacks particularly difficult.
2. Elaia Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Second Son
Elaia Elliss is Christian and Kaysie’s second son.
According to published family reporting, Elaia was born in August 2023.
His arrival occurred while Christian was preparing for another NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
By December 2023, Christian and Kaysie were raising both Koa and Elaia.
That period was particularly challenging because Christian was released by Philadelphia shortly after earning his first defensive start.
The family’s experiences during that season later became part of a February 2026 feature published by The Spokesman-Review.
3. Matai Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Third Son
Matai Elliss is the youngest of Christian and Kaysie Elliss’s three publicly confirmed sons.
He was born in the spring of 2025.
ESPN reported in June 2025 that the couple had recently welcomed Matai, joining older brothers Koa and Elaia.
His birth coincided with an important professional development for Christian.
During the 2025 offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders offered him a two-year contract worth approximately $13.5 million.
The Patriots subsequently matched the offer, allowing him to remain in New England.
The combination of welcoming another child and receiving greater financial stability made the offseason especially meaningful for the family.
Does Christian Elliss Want More Children?
Christian Elliss and his wife Kaysie have expressed interest in expanding their family through adoption.
Christian grew up with seven adopted siblings and witnessed how adoption shaped his family’s experiences.
In December 2024, the Patriots reported that Christian and Kaysie had joined a waiting list through the adoption agency A Act of Love.
They hoped eventually to welcome a child who needed a permanent home.
During a February 2026 interview with Sports Spectrum, Christian confirmed that adoption remained an important goal.
As of now, however, there has been no reliable public announcement confirming that the couple has adopted another child.
Who Are Christian Elliss’s Parents?
Christian Elliss’s parents are Luther Elliss and Rebecca Elliss.
They are widely recognized for raising 12 children, including seven adopted children, while maintaining strong connections to professional and college football.
The family’s experiences have been featured by the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and several major newspapers.
Christian Elliss’s Father: Luther Elliss
Luther Elliss is Christian Elliss’s father and a former professional football defensive tackle.
He played college football at the University of Utah, becoming an outstanding defensive lineman.
In the 1995 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Luther in the first round with the 20th overall pick.
He spent nine seasons with Detroit before joining the Denver Broncos for his final professional season in 2004.
During his NFL career, Luther earned two Pro Bowl selections.
After retiring from professional football, he remained involved in sports and religious ministry.
He served as a team chaplain for the Denver Broncos and later worked as a college football coach.
In 2022, he joined the University of Utah coaching staff as a defensive tackles coach.
How Luther Elliss Influenced Christian’s Football Career
Growing up with a former NFL player as his father gave Christian a unique perspective on professional football.
Luther understood the dedication, discipline, and physical preparation necessary to compete at the highest level.
He regularly encouraged his sons to develop strong work habits and take responsibility for their decisions.
During an ESPN interview in June 2025, Christian explained that his father taught him accountability, leadership, and responsibility.
Christian also credited Luther with helping him maintain perspective when his professional football career became difficult.
Following his release from Philadelphia in December 2023, Christian called his father to discuss his disappointment.
Luther encouraged him to consider whether he still loved football and wanted to continue competing.
The conversation helped Christian regain confidence and continue pursuing his career.
Christian Elliss’s Mother: Rebecca Elliss
Rebecca Elliss is Christian Elliss’s mother and one of the most influential people in his family.
She and her husband Luther raised 12 children, developing a family environment centered on faith, education, athletics, and supporting others.
Rebecca played a particularly important role in the family’s decision to adopt.
While Luther was playing professional football, she became friends with Kathy Kunkle, the founder of A Act of Love, an adoption agency in Utah.
One day, Kathy contacted Rebecca about an infant named Isaiah who needed a family.
Rebecca visited the baby and immediately felt a connection.
She subsequently discussed the possibility of adoption with Luther.
The couple decided to welcome Isaiah into their household, beginning a remarkable journey that eventually included seven adopted children.
How Rebecca and Luther Elliss Raised 12 Children
Raising 12 children required careful organization, patience, and considerable commitment.
The family lived in several states because of Luther’s football and coaching career.
At different times, they needed large passenger vans and spacious homes to accommodate everyone.
According to an extensive Atlanta Falcons family feature, the household used a large custom dining table where everyone gathered for meals.
The family encouraged each child to share something positive and something difficult from their day.
Those conversations helped ensure that every child received attention despite the size of the household.
Rebecca and Luther emphasized that adopted and biological children were equally valued members of the family.
Their example later inspired Christian and Kaysie to consider adoption themselves.
Christian Elliss’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Christian Elliss has 11 siblings, making him one of 12 children.
According to the New England Patriots’ December 2024 family feature, the complete sibling group consists of:
- Kaden Elliss – Older brother and NFL linebacker.
- Olivia Elliss – Older sister.
- Noah Elliss – Younger brother and former NFL defensive lineman.
- Isaiah Elliss – Brother and the family’s first adopted child.
- Isabelle Elliss – Sister.
- Sophia Elliss – Sister.
- Jonah Elliss – Younger brother and Denver Broncos linebacker.
- Micah Elliss – Brother.
- Elijah Elliss – Younger brother and college football player.
- Mia Elliss – Sister.
- Colsen Elliss – Youngest brother.
Four of the 12 Elliss children, including Christian, have reached the NFL.
The family generally avoids emphasizing which siblings are biological and which were adopted because they consider everyone equally part of the household.
1. Kaden Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Older Brother
Kaden Elliss is Christian’s oldest brother and an experienced NFL linebacker.
He played college football at the University of Idaho before the New Orleans Saints selected him in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
After four seasons with New Orleans, Kaden joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
He returned to the Saints for the 2026 season.
Christian and Kaden share a particularly close relationship because they both played college football at Idaho and later reached the NFL.
The brothers have also competed against each other in professional games.
During a January 2026 interview with the Patriots, Christian recalled how memorable it had been to block Kaden during a special teams play while they were on opposing teams.
2. Noah Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Younger Brother
Noah Elliss is Christian’s younger brother and another member of the family who reached professional football.
Noah played college football at the University of Idaho before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022.
He and Christian were briefly members of the Eagles organization at the same time.
According to the Patriots’ official family reporting, Noah is one of four Elliss brothers with NFL experience.
His professional career has been less extensive than those of Kaden, Christian, and Jonah.
3. Jonah Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Younger Brother
Jonah Elliss is Christian’s younger brother and a professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
He played college football at the University of Utah, where he developed into an outstanding defensive player.
Denver selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
One of the most memorable moments in the brothers’ careers occurred in January 2026 when New England faced Denver in the AFC Championship Game.
For the first time, Christian and Jonah competed against each other on the same football field.
The occasion was especially meaningful because the winner would advance to Super Bowl LX.
New England defeated Denver 10-7, and Christian subsequently embraced Jonah following the game.
How Rebecca Elliss Felt About Christian Playing Against Jonah
Although the brothers were excited about competing against each other, their mother had mixed emotions.
During a January 2026 interview with the Patriots, Rebecca acknowledged that she disliked watching her sons compete on opposing teams.
She was proud that both had reached the AFC Championship but knew that one would experience disappointment.
Christian and Jonah maintained their usual competitive relationship, including friendly teasing before the game.
Following New England’s victory, the brothers shared an emotional moment that attracted national attention.
4. Elijah Elliss – Christian Elliss’s Younger Brother
Elijah Elliss is another younger brother who has pursued competitive football.
He joined the University of Utah football program as a defensive lineman.
His decision continued the family’s relationship with Utah, where their father played college football and later became a coach.
Elijah’s development has attracted attention because several of his brothers have already reached the NFL.
However, his individual professional ambitions remain separate from those of his brothers.
5. Olivia, Isabelle, Sophia, and Mia Elliss – Christian’s Sisters
Christian Elliss has four publicly identified sisters: Olivia, Isabelle, Sophia, and Mia.
Olivia is one of the oldest members of the family and grew up alongside Kaden and Christian before their parents began adopting additional children.
Christian recalled in a Patriots family interview that he and Olivia were particularly mischievous during childhood.
Isabelle, Sophia, and Mia subsequently became part of the expanded household.
Although the sisters have generally maintained private lives, their names and family relationships are documented in official NFL reporting.
Reliable information about their occupations and personal relationships remains limited.
6. Isaiah, Micah, and Colsen Elliss – Christian’s Other Brothers
Christian also has three brothers named Isaiah, Micah, and Colsen.
Isaiah was the family’s first adopted child, joining the household while Luther was playing for the Detroit Lions.
Micah grew up alongside the other Elliss children in the family’s large household.
Colsen is the youngest member of the family.
According to the Atlanta Falcons’ family profile, Luther and Rebecca adopted Colsen after learning that he needed a permanent home following serious medical challenges as an infant.
The three brothers have generally remained outside national professional sports coverage.
Christian Elliss’s Childhood and Family Background
Christian Elliss grew up in several states because of his father’s professional football and coaching career.
During childhood, his family lived in Michigan, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho.
He attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City before moving to Colorado.
He subsequently enrolled at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch.
Football was an important part of everyday family life, with several brothers eventually pursuing the sport at the college or professional level.
Christian also developed a competitive personality through games and activities with his siblings.
His parents encouraged teamwork, responsibility, and respecting every member of the household.
Christian Elliss’s High School Football Career
At Valor Christian High School, Elliss became one of Colorado’s talented defensive football players.
He played linebacker while also contributing offensively.
During his senior season, he recorded 65 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
He also helped Valor Christian win a state championship.
His performances earned South Metro co-Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
Christian was selected to participate in the 2017 Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii.
After completing high school, he accepted a scholarship to the University of Idaho, where his older brother Kaden was already playing football.
Christian Elliss’s College Football Career at Idaho
Christian Elliss played college football for the University of Idaho Vandals from 2017 through the spring 2021 season.
During his freshman season, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 30 tackles.
He became a starting linebacker in 2018, leading the team with 81 tackles.
His performances earned All-Big Sky recognition.
In 2019, Elliss recorded 104 tackles and 4.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors.
He continued playing during the shortened spring 2021 season after Idaho postponed its fall schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He again received first-team All-Big Sky recognition.
Across his college career, Elliss recorded 266 tackles and became one of Idaho’s leading defensive players.
Christian Elliss’s Journey to the NFL
After completing his college career, Christian Elliss entered the 2021 NFL Draft.
Although he was not selected, the Minnesota Vikings signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent.
However, Minnesota released him before the regular season.
He subsequently joined the Philadelphia Eagles, spending much of his early professional career on the practice squad.
Christian made his NFL regular-season debut during the 2021 season.
In 2022, he appeared in six games and participated in Philadelphia’s postseason run to Super Bowl LVII.
The Eagles ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite earning more playing opportunities in 2023, Christian was released by Philadelphia in December.
The New England Patriots quickly claimed him off waivers.
Christian Elliss’s Career With the New England Patriots
Christian Elliss joined the New England Patriots in December 2023.
He initially contributed primarily on special teams but gradually developed into an important defensive player.
During the 2024 season, he appeared in 16 games and made five starts.
His performances attracted interest from other NFL organizations.
During the 2025 offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders offered him a two-year contract worth approximately $13.5 million.
New England matched the offer, allowing him to remain with the Patriots.
During the 2025 season, Christian became a regular starting linebacker.
He helped New England reach Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks in February 2026.
Although the Patriots lost the championship game, his appearance represented a major milestone after several difficult professional seasons.
As of now, Elliss continues playing linebacker for New England.
Christian Elliss’s Support for Adoption
One of Christian Elliss’s most meaningful activities outside football involves promoting adoption.
Because seven of his siblings joined the family through adoption, he grew up understanding how important permanent family relationships can be for children.
In December 2024, he participated in the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
Christian selected A Act of Love, the adoption agency that had helped expand his family.
His customized cleats featured the agency’s emblem and the names of his adopted siblings.
The initiative gave him an opportunity to share his family’s experiences while encouraging others to consider adoption.
His wife Kaysie shares that interest, and the couple has expressed hopes of adopting a child in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Elliss’s Family
Who is Christian Elliss’s girlfriend?
Christian Elliss is married to his longtime romantic partner, Kaysie Bruce Elliss.
Who is Christian Elliss’s wife?
His wife is Kaysie Bruce Elliss, a former University of Idaho soccer player who grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington.
When did Christian Elliss get married?
Christian Elliss married Kaysie Bruce in 2022. Their wedding website identified summer 2022 as the wedding period.
Does Christian Elliss have children?
Yes. Christian and Kaysie have three sons named Koa, Elaia, and Matai.
Who is Christian Elliss’s oldest son?
His oldest son is Koa Elliss, who was born in April 2021.
Who is Christian Elliss’s youngest son?
His youngest publicly confirmed son is Matai Elliss, born in the spring of 2025.
Who is Christian Elliss’s father?
His father is Luther Elliss, a former NFL defensive tackle and two-time Pro Bowl selection who later became a college football coach.
Who is Christian Elliss’s mother?
His mother is Rebecca Elliss, who raised 12 children with Luther, including seven adopted children.
How many siblings does Christian Elliss have?
Christian Elliss has 11 siblings. His brothers and sisters are Kaden, Olivia, Noah, Isaiah, Isabelle, Sophia, Jonah, Micah, Elijah, Mia, and Colsen.
Which of Christian Elliss’s brothers have played in the NFL?
His brothers Kaden, Noah, and Jonah have all played in the NFL.
Is Christian Elliss from an adopted family?
Christian grew up in a family of 12 children, seven of whom were adopted. His parents emphasized that all their children were equally valued members of the family.
Does Christian Elliss want to adopt a child?
Yes. Christian and Kaysie have publicly discussed their interest in adoption and joined a waiting list through A Act of Love.
When was Christian Elliss born?
Christian Elliss was born on January 2, 1999.
Where did Christian Elliss play college football?
He played college football at the University of Idaho from 2017 through the spring 2021 season.
Which NFL team does Christian Elliss play for?
Christian Elliss plays linebacker for the New England Patriots, whom he joined in December 2023.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
