Elam accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Urban Meyer and coach Will Muschamp's Florida Gators football teams from 2010 to 2012. As a freshman in 2010, Elam played in all 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. As a full-time starter during his 2011 sophomore season, he had 78 tackles, two interceptions and two quarterback sacks. Following his junior season in 2012, he was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, The Sporting News, CBS Sports, Scout.com and Sports Illustrated, as well as a second-team selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and a semifinalist for both the Thorpe Award and Bednarik Award.
Professional career
Pre-draft
Elam was viewed as one of the top safeties in the 2013 draft class. Some experts and scouts said he lacked size for a safety with a height of 5' 10", and should be moved to cornerback instead. He is known for his playmaking ability and for his emotional leadership. Most experts projected Elam to go in the mid-to-late first round of the NFL Draft.[3]
The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the first round (32nd overall pick) of the 2013 NFL draft.[5][6] After a promising rookie season, Elam struggled the following year causing him to lose playing time. On August 31, 2015, Elam was placed on injured reserve, after suffering a torn bicep and missed the entire 2015 NFL season.[7]
On May 2, 2016, the Ravens did not pick up the optional fifth year of his contract.[8] On September 5, 2016, Elam was placed on injured reserve.[9] Elam was activated off injured reserve on November 5, 2016 prior to Week 9.[10]
With declining performance since his rookie year, missing significant playing time, and given the Ravens decision to not pick up the final year of his rookie contract, Elam was considered a bust given his status as a first-round draft pick.[11]
After his arrest on February 26, 2017, the Ravens released a statement regarding the upcoming free agent, stating "we are aware of the arrest of Matt Elam. Matt is not in our plans for the 2017 Ravens", indicating their plans of moving on from Elam.[12]
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Elam was signed to the practice roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on July 2, 2018. He was promoted to the active roster on July 24, but was placed on the suspended list on November 7. He was released on May 24, 2019.
DC Defenders
In October 2019, Elam was picked by the DC Defenders during the open phase of the 2020 XFL draft.[13] He was waived on March 3, 2020.[14]
On February 26, 2017, Elam was arrested in Miami, Florida, for possession of 126.2 grams of marijuana and 3.1 grams of oxycodone.[27] He was charged with one count of cannabis possession, one count of possession of cannabis with intent to sell or deliver, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. On June 26, 2017, the drug charges were dropped.[28]
On May 22, 2017, Elam was arrested on battery and theft charges involving a dispute with his girlfriend over an iPhone. Delray Beach Police charged him with suspicion of grand theft and misdemeanor battery after confrontation and was booked in Palm Beach County Jail and had a bond set at $4,500. According to a police report, he went to his girlfriend's residence to pick up a vehicle and attempted to grab her iPhone from her hand after she refused to give him his money. During the process of grabbing the phone, the couple fell to the ground and continued to struggle over it. She then entered his vehicle and took his cell phone and Elam responded by leaving after she refused to return it.[29] On June 21, 2017, the charges were dropped after the prosecutor said the accuser would not cooperate and they had insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.[30]
