Shaun Bradley Bio
Shaun Russell Ellis-Bradley, known professionally as Shaun Bradley, is an American professional football linebacker. Born on April 8, 1997, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, he rose through high school athletics before playing college football at Temple University. He entered the National Football League when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Across his professional career, Shaun Bradley has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Houston Texans, and the Kansas City Chiefs. A linebacker listed at 6 feet 1 inch and around 240 pounds, he has built his career on special teams contributions and defensive depth. His journey has included significant injury setbacks, yet he has continued to pursue opportunities at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Shaun Russell Ellis-Bradley was born and raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey, a small community in Burlington County. He grew up in a household that supported athletics, and from a young age he gravitated toward competitive sports. His hometown would later shape his work ethic and identity as a football player.
He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where he distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. In addition to playing prep football, Shaun Bradley competed on the basketball court and on the track. That multi-sport foundation helped him develop the speed, strength, and conditioning that would later support his transition to college-level competition.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Shaun Bradley received college interest from programs including Delaware and Rhode Island. He eventually chose Temple University, though he committed late in the recruiting process. Because of that timing, he was not immediately placed on scholarship and grayshirted the 2015 season, attending classes at Rowan College at Burlington County before officially joining Temple’s 2016 signing class.
At Temple, Shaun Bradley worked his way into a role with the Owls football program, developing into a linebacker capable of contributing on defense and special teams. His performance in the American Athletic Conference caught the attention of NFL scouts, and his path to professional football became clear by the time of the 2020 draft cycle.
Shaun Bradley Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Shaun Bradley in the sixth round with the 196th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. He joined a linebacker group tasked with contributing on defense and, especially, on special teams. His rookie season gave him a foundation in the league and allowed him to learn the pace and demands of the professional game.
His second year was marked by setbacks. On January 1, 2021, Shaun Bradley was placed on injured reserve, limiting his availability late in the season. Later, on December 25, 2021, he was placed on the reserve/COVID list, and he was activated on December 30. Despite these interruptions, he continued to develop his role within the Eagles organization.
Philadelphia Eagles Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII, though Shaun Bradley did not participate after suffering a season-ending wrist injury. The Eagles ultimately fell 38–35 to the Kansas City Chiefs, a result that defined the close of that season for the franchise. Bradley’s absence highlighted his value as a depth linebacker whose special teams presence was missed on football’s biggest stage.
The following preseason, on August 12, 2023, Shaun Bradley suffered a torn Achilles tendon while handling punt-blocking duties against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury ruled him out for the entirety of the 2023 season. The timing was difficult for a player trying to establish himself, but it also reflected his willingness to contribute on high-leverage special teams units.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2024–Present)
After his release from the Eagles’ full roster, Shaun Bradley signed with the Houston Texans practice squad on October 2, 2024. He was released by Houston on November 5, 2024, ending a short stint with the organization. The brief opportunity reflected his continued pursuit of an active NFL role.
On January 9, 2025, Shaun Bradley signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, the same team that had defeated his former Eagles squad in Super Bowl LVII. He was released by the Chiefs on May 1, 2025. The reserve/future deal signaled that the Chiefs viewed him as a developmental linebacker candidate entering the 2025 offseason.
Driving Style and Strengths
Shaun Bradley’s professional value has centered on special teams play, where his speed, tackling, and willingness to take on contact have stood out. As a linebacker, he has shown the ability to read run fits and contribute in coverage when healthy. His continued movement across practice squads and reserve/future contracts reflects a player whose coaches recognize his work in the margins of the roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable chapters in Shaun Bradley’s career came in 2022, when the Philadelphia Eagles reached Super Bowl LVII while he recovered from a season-ending wrist injury. Another defining moment arrived in August 2023, when he tore his Achilles on a punt-blocking play against the Baltimore Ravens, a reminder of the physical risks tied to special teams duty.
Shaun Bradley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Shaun Bradley’s immediate family is limited. He was raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and his formative years were shaped by that community. Further verified details about his parents and broader family background are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Shaun Russell Ellis-Bradley maintains a relatively private personal life away from the field. Confirmed details about a spouse or children have not been publicly reported in the sources reviewed. His social media presence under the Instagram handle linked to his professional profile offers additional glimpses into his off-field interests.
2025 Season Performance
Shaun Bradley entered the 2025 league year as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs after signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. The agreement positioned him to compete for a depth linebacker or core special teams role during the offseason program and training camp. His familiarity with NFC East schemes from his time in Philadelphia offered a useful foundation for adjusting to the Chiefs’ defensive system.
On May 1, 2025, however, the Chiefs released Shaun Bradley, interrupting that path. The transaction reflected the constant churn of NFL rosters, where reserve/future signings are often short-term evaluations rather than guaranteed roster spots. His release left his 2025 status open as he looked for his next professional opportunity.
Looking ahead, Shaun Bradley’s 2025 outlook depends on finding another roster or practice squad opportunity. His track record on special teams, combined with his experience in a Super Bowl-caliber locker room, gives him a reasonable foundation to continue his career. Whether in Kansas City or with another franchise, his focus will likely remain on staying healthy and earning a defined defensive or special teams role.