Eli Apple

Eli Apple's Biography

Eli Apple, born as Eli Woodard on August 9, 1995, is a well-renowned American football cornerback known for his impressive professional career. Apple’s journey in the world of football is characterized by numerous victories, memorable moments of sportsmanship, and intense dedication to the game. The young professional athlete has not only played for the New York Giants but has also contributed his talents to the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Miami Dolphins.

Apple’s connection with his African roots is profound as he was born to a Ghanaian mother and spent a few years of his life living in Ghana. He later moved to the United States, where he attended Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, New Jersey. His potential in football was recognized early on in his high school years, with Rivals.com rating him the top prospect in New Jersey in his 2013 class and ranking him as the 28th best prospect nationally. During this time, Apple received roughly twenty scholarship offers from a variety of notable universities, including Alabama, Michigan, and Clemson, to name a few. Eventually, he ranked his top three choices as Rutgers, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. Apple ultimately committed to Ohio State in February 2012.

Apple thrived in Ohio State, earning the status of a five-star prospect and being recognized as the No. 11 prospect nationally. He was also ranked the No. 1 overall prospect in New Jersey and the No. 6 cornerback prospect nationally. However, his freshman year at Ohio State was redshirted, but he later emerged in 2014 as a redshirt freshman. He demonstrated his prowess in the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, helping his team secure victory in both games. In his second season with the Buckeyes, he earned the prestigious title of Defensive MVP.

In 2016 Apple announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL draft. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine was remarkable despite suffering from cramps, finishing with the tenth fastest time in the 40-yard dash among all participating players. Several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans, showed their interest in him. At the end of the pre-draft process, he was projected as an early to mid first round pick, and was ranked the third-best cornerback prospect.

Apple was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants in 2016, earning the distinction of being the second cornerback drafted that year. Despite some criticism for his selection, the Giants believed in his potential, eventually signing him on for a four-year, $15.15 million contract, which included a signing bonus amounting to $9.21 million. As a rookie, Apple made significant contributions to the Giants’ victories and even despite some injuries, ended his first professional season in the NFL commendably.

Throughout his career, Apple was no stranger to adversity; he faced disciplinary actions, was criticized by teammates, and encountered changing dynamics within and between the teams he played for. Yet, through it all, Apple persevered, maintaining his commitment to the game.

His association with the New York Giants concluded with a trade to the New Orleans Saints in 2018. Here, he was able to rekindle old team ties with former Ohio State secondary teammates Marshon Lattimore and Vonn Bell. Apple continued to contribute his skills to other teams as well, signing with the Carolina Panthers, and later the Cincinnati Bengals, and now he’s currently playing as a free agent.

Apple was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. His family includes his mother, Annie Apple, and his stepfather, Tim Apple, who played significant roles in his upbringing and formation. Apple is also the nephew of the actor and comedian Michael Blackson. His commitment to football and contribution to the teams he played for made Eli Apple an emblematic figure in American football, with a career that continues to inspire budding athletes nationwide.