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Jake Elliott, the star kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently opened up about his early passion for tennis and how it shaped his football career. The two-time Super Bowl champion revealed that tennis was his first sport before he transitioned to football, and he credits much of his athletic development to his early experiences on the court.
In an exclusive interview, Elliott explained that he first picked up a tennis racket when he was just three or four years old. “That was probably the first sport I ever played… I started back when I was like three or four years old, just hitting the ball around,” said Elliott, reflecting on his early introduction to the game.
Although Elliott is now known for his success in football, where he has been a key player for the Eagles since 2017, his tennis background has had a lasting impact on his athletic approach. He pointed out the striking similarities between the two sports, particularly the importance of timing. Whether it’s a tennis shot or a football kick, precision timing is essential for success. “Yeah, striking at the right time with the right part of the racket and the right part of the foot… you just have to time everything out,” Elliott said, highlighting how his tennis skills directly translate to his kicking technique.
Elliott also spoke about the mental toughness he developed through tennis, emphasizing the similarities between individual tennis play and kicking in football. Both require composure under pressure, with success or failure resting solely on the athlete’s shoulders. “You’re out there by yourself on a tennis court… you’re the only one that can get it done… it’s very similar to kicking in the aspect that you’re kind of alone, and if you mess up, it’s on you,” he explained.
Before achieving Super Bowl glory, Elliott spent his youth immersed in tennis. In fact, he even worked as a tennis instructor at the age of 13 or 14. Although his professional football career has limited his time for the sport, he still finds time to occasionally play in the offseason. “Not much. I’ll play maybe once or twice in the offseason. I have a buddy who played college tennis at Memphis, so he’ll come down, and we’ll work the ball around a little bit,” said Elliott, acknowledging his continued love for the game.
Despite his limited playing time, Elliott remains confident in his skills. “The forehand’s there, the serve’s there, the backhand is long gone,” he joked, showing his characteristic self-awareness.
Elliott also reflected on the role tennis played in his decision to pursue football over college tennis, mentioning that the larger scholarship opportunities in football were a major factor in his switch.
As the Eagles’ kicker, Elliott has gone on to make his mark in NFL history, setting a Super Bowl record for most points scored by a kicker in Super Bowl LII with 16 points. His unique combination of football success and tennis roots serves as a testament to the influence of early sports development on an athlete’s career.
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