“It’s a pretty good feeling,” says a proud Lions fan

Draft hopeful hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Jonah Elliss, an NFL draft hopeful, had a unique perspective on the Detroit Lions’ successful 2023 season.

Fans of the Detroit Lions may recognize his last name as the son of Luther Elliss, the team’s first-round pick in the 1995 NFL draft.

Despite being less than a year old when his father played his final game for Detroit in 2003, Jonah grew up to be a Lions fan.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s awesome to finally be able to say I’m a Lions fan and not have people laughing at me,” Elliss said at the Combine Wednesday. “It feels very decent. So I enjoy it. “I love what they’re doing out there.”

Elliss expresses his desire to play for the Lions, but also states that he is open to being picked by any team.

Jonah Elliss, a pass-rushing prospect, is expected to be picked in the second day (Rounds 2-3) unless something unexpected happens.

He compares his style and physical characteristics to Haason Reddick, a pass rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Just because we’re both like lighter, quicker guys and we like that speed to bull, speed to push-pull, speed off the edge, inside moves,” Elliss went on to say. “I feel like we are similar in that regard. I’m striving to be like him. I am definitely not there yet. But he’s someone I’ve absolutely watched films with and looked up to.”

Elliss differs from his father, a big defensive tackle who started for the Lions for eight seasons and made the Pro Bowl twice.