Elijah Dotson Bio
Elijah Dotson is an American professional football running back who currently plays in the National Football League. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Dotson built his reputation as a productive college player before reaching the professional ranks. After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, appeared in four regular-season games, and later joined the Atlanta Falcons organization, where he continues to pursue a sustained role in the league.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and listed around 205 pounds, Dotson has relied on quickness, vision, and pass-catching ability rather than sheer size throughout his career. His professional journey has included movement between active rosters and practice squads, a path that reflects both the opportunity and the challenge faced by undrafted running backs trying to establish themselves in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Elijah Dotson was born on January 19, 1999, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in the Sacramento region and developed an early interest in football through youth programs in the area. Dotson played Pop Warner football for the Jr. Foothill Mustangs, a Sacramento-based youth organization that helped introduce him to the fundamentals of the running back position.
He attended Antelope High School in Antelope, California, where he continued to develop as a player. The Sacramento-area high school circuit gave Dotson consistent competition and a clear platform to display his skills as a running back. His performance at Antelope helped attract college attention and set the stage for his move into the college football ranks.
Path to American Football
Dotson began his college career at Sacramento State, where he played for the Sacramento State Hornets. At Sacramento State, he established himself as a reliable offensive weapon in the Big Sky Conference, earning recognition as a First-team All-Big Sky selection in 2018. His early college production confirmed the potential he had shown during his high school years in the Sacramento area.
He later transferred to the University of Northern Colorado, continuing his college career with the Northern Colorado Bears. At Northern Colorado, Dotson built on his earlier success and was again named First-team All-Big Sky in 2019, while also receiving HERO Sports Second Team All-America honors for his play that season. These accomplishments positioned him as a professional prospect heading into the 2023 NFL cycle.
Elijah Dotson Career
Early Career (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Elijah Dotson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He earned a spot on the roster and appeared in four games during his rookie season, giving him his first taste of regular NFL action. On December 2, 2023, the Chargers waived Dotson, only to re-sign him to the practice squad a few days later on December 5.
Dotson then signed a reserve/future contract with Los Angeles on January 11, 2024, keeping him in the Chargers organization through the offseason. The arrangement reflected the team’s continued interest in his development, even as he worked to carve out a more permanent role on the depth chart.
Los Angeles Chargers Tenure (2023–2024)
Dotson’s time with the Los Angeles Chargers represented his first extended exposure to a professional environment. He spent the 2023 regular season moving between the active roster and the practice squad, using each opportunity to refine his pass-protection and route-running skills. The four games he played offered a snapshot of his potential as a change-of-pace back at the NFL level.
Following his reserve/future deal in January 2024, Dotson remained with the Chargers through the spring and into training camp. On August 27, 2024, the Chargers waived him, ending his initial stint with the organization. The release opened the door for his next professional opportunity, which came shortly afterward.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–Present)
On December 3, 2024, Elijah Dotson signed with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, joining a new organization late in the regular season. He continued to impress during his time with the Falcons, and on January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Atlanta, securing his place with the team heading into the next league year.
Dotson remained in the Falcons’ system through the 2025 offseason, working to compete for a roster spot. On August 23, 2025, he was waived by the Falcons. Despite the release, his path from undrafted free agent to multiple NFL opportunities reflects steady perseverance in a league that demands both talent and durability from its running backs.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the field, Dotson is known for his quick acceleration, compact frame, and reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield. His college film at both Sacramento State and Northern Colorado highlighted his ability to contribute in the passing game, an increasingly valuable trait for modern running backs. He has also shown the willingness to handle pass-protection responsibilities, a key requirement for earning a regular role in NFL offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Dotson’s most notable milestones are his back-to-back First-team All-Big Sky honors in 2018 and 2019, followed by HERO Sports Second Team All-America recognition in 2019. His professional milestones include appearing in four games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, signing reserve/future contracts with both the Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons, and navigating the practice-squad-to-active-roster path that defines the early career of many undrafted players.
Elijah Dotson Career Wins
As a running back whose professional resume is still developing, Elijah Dotson’s career statistics continue to grow across his time with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons. His college accomplishments, including multiple All-Big Sky selections and All-America recognition, form the foundation of his competitive record. Detailed season-by-season totals in the NFL remain limited because of his role on practice squads and brief active-roster stints, but his continued movement between organizations signals sustained league interest.
College and Conference Highlights
During his time at Sacramento State and Northern Colorado, Dotson produced consistently in the Big Sky Conference. His 2018 and 2019 First-team All-Big Sky selections highlight two of the strongest seasons of his college career, with the 2019 campaign also earning him HERO Sports Second Team All-America status. These conference and national recognitions stand as his most clearly documented competitive achievements heading into professional football.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond conference awards, Dotson’s path from youth football with the Jr. Foothill Mustangs to a high school career at Antelope High School, and then to multiple college programs, represents a series of competitive milestones at each level. His transition to the NFL as an undrafted free agent and his subsequent signings with the Chargers and Falcons further underline a career built on steady progression rather than overnight recognition.
Elijah Dotson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Elijah Dotson’s family background remains limited. He grew up in the Sacramento, California, area, where he was introduced to football through Pop Warner programs and local youth teams. Further details about his parents and any extended family connections to the sport have not been widely documented.
Personal Life
Elijah Dotson keeps much of his personal life private. He was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and has continued his professional career in the United States. Information about a spouse, partner, or children has not been publicly confirmed, and he has not announced any such details through widely available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Elijah Dotson’s 2025 storyline centers on his transition within the Atlanta Falcons organization. After signing a reserve/future contract with Atlanta on January 6, 2025, he worked through the offseason program with the goal of securing a spot on the 53-man roster. His experience as a pass-catching running back gave him a defined role to compete for within the Falcons’ offensive scheme.
The 2025 calendar also included roster movement, as Dotson was waived by the Falcons on August 23, 2025. Such transactions are common for young running backs, who often move between teams as final rosters take shape. His continued presence on NFL practice squads and reserve/future agreements suggests that he remains firmly in the mix for future opportunities.
Looking ahead, Dotson’s outlook for the rest of 2025 and beyond depends on whether he can secure a depth-chart role with an NFL team. His college pedigree, including two First-team All-Big Sky seasons, combined with his four games of regular-season experience, gives him a credible profile. Continued development in pass protection and special teams could help him carve out a longer-term professional career in the league.