Eli Apple, born Eli Woodard on August 9, 1995, is a seasoned American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. His career has been marked by the weight of high expectations stemming from his first-round draft selection, periods of both success and criticism, and a persistent drive to solidify his place as a reliable defensive back in the NFL.
From his standout college career at Ohio State to his various stints across the league, Apple’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, adaptation, and the constant pressure of professional football.
From Five-Star Recruit to National Champion at Ohio State
Apple’s football prowess was evident early in his career at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. He was a highly touted prospect, rated as the top player in New Jersey by Rivals.com and a consensus five-star recruit. He received numerous scholarship offers from top programs before ultimately committing to Ohio State University.
Arriving in Columbus in January 2013, Apple redshirted his true freshman season, allowing him to develop and acclimate to the college game. He saw significant playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2014 and truly blossomed in his sophomore season in 2015. That year, Apple was a key member of the Buckeyes team that captured the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, defeating Oregon in the final.
While Tyvis Powell was named the Defensive MVP of the National Championship game itself, Apple’s consistent performance throughout the season earned him Second-team All-Big Ten honors and recognition as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. Some sources even suggest he was the Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl in the preceding semi-final game, though official records for that specific award in that game are less readily available. His blend of size, athleticism, and ball skills made him a highly coveted prospect for the NFL draft.
The Pressure of a First-Round Pick: New York Giants (2016-2018)
Apple’s impressive college career culminated in him being selected by the New York Giants with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. This high draft capital immediately placed considerable expectations on his shoulders to become a shutdown cornerback for the Giants. While he showed flashes of his potential during his rookie season, starting 11 games and recording one interception and seven passes defended, his tenure in New York was ultimately inconsistent and marked by off-field issues and occasional on-field struggles.
His second season in 2017 was hampered by injuries and a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. By the 2018 season, despite starting the first five games, the Giants traded Apple to the New Orleans Saints mid-season.
Finding Consistency in the Bayou: New Orleans Saints (2018-2019)
The trade to the New Orleans Saints provided Apple with a fresh start and an opportunity to revitalize his career. He stepped into a significant role in the Saints’ secondary and showcased more consistent play. In his season and a half with the Saints, Apple started all 25 games he played, recording three interceptions and 13 passes defended. His time in New Orleans was generally viewed as a positive step in his development and demonstrated his ability to be a reliable starter in the league.
A Brief Stop in Carolina: Panthers (2020)
In 2020, Apple signed with the Carolina Panthers. However, his time in Carolina was short-lived. He only played in two games for the Panthers before being released. This brief stint was a setback in his career trajectory.
Resurgence with the Bengals: Super Bowl Run (2021-2022)
Apple found a significant resurgence with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 and 2022. He became a key member of their defense, starting every game in both seasons and playing a crucial role in their unexpected Super Bowl LVI run in the 2021 season. While the Bengals ultimately fell short against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl, Apple’s performance throughout the playoffs, including key pass breakups, earned him praise and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games. He followed up with another solid season in 2022, further solidifying his role as a starting cornerback in the league.
Bouncing Around: Dolphins and Chargers (2023-Present)
Following his successful stint with the Bengals, Apple signed with the Miami Dolphins for the 2023 season. He played in ten games for the Dolphins, recording one interception and nine passes defended.
In 2024, Apple joined the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract. While his playing time in the 2024 season was limited to four games, he provided veteran depth to the Chargers’ cornerback group. As of late April 2025, Apple remains with the Los Angeles Chargers, entering his tenth season in the NFL and bringing a wealth of experience to their defense.
A Career of Adaptability and Experience
Eli Apple’s NFL career has been a journey marked by high expectations, periods of adjustment, and ultimately, a demonstration of resilience and adaptability. While the weight of his top-10 draft selection has followed him, he has shown the ability to develop into a reliable starting cornerback in the league, particularly during his time with the Saints and the Bengals.
As he enters his tenth NFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Apple brings valuable experience and a veteran presence to their defense. His career serves as a compelling example of the complexities and evolving nature of professional football, where talent must be coupled with perseverance to forge a lasting career.
FAQs
What are Eli Apple’s statistics for the 2024 NFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers?
In the 2024 NFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Eli Apple played in 4 games but did not start any. He recorded 2 solo tackles and 1 pass defended. He did not have any sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, or fumble recoveries in that season.
Has Eli Apple been involved in any notable controversies during his NFL career?
Yes, Eli Apple has been involved in several notable controversies. While playing for the Giants in 2017, tensions with teammates reportedly escalated, with safety Landon Collins publicly referring to Apple as a “cancer” and stating he should not be on the team in 2018. He also faced criticism for comments made towards fans of the Giants and Saints. More recently, while with the Bengals, he was known for his outspoken nature and trash talk, particularly towards players on opposing teams like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs. In December 2022, he accused Patriots quarterback Mac Jones of a “dirty play.”
What was Eli Apple’s college football career like at Ohio State?
Eli Apple played college football at Ohio State from 2013 to 2015. He was a member of the Buckeyes team that won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. In his college career, he recorded 56 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 4 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. He was also named second-team All-Big Ten in 2015.
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