BYU Defensive Back Keenan Ellis Medically Retires From Football
Feb 25, 2022, 5:10 PM | Updated: 5:24 pm
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 04: Brigham Young Cougars players call for assistance after defensive back Keenan Ellis #2 was injured on a play against the Arizona Wildcats during the Good Sam Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – BYU football cornerback Keenan Ellis, who suffered a scary injury during last season’s week one win over Arizona, is medically retiring.
A BYU football program spokesperson confirmed Ellis’s retirement from the sport. He will graduate with his degree from Brigham Young University this April.
Sending good, healthy vibes to #BYU CB Keenan Ellis. 💙
Ellis is retiring from football.#BYUFootball #GoCougs @Ellisisland02https://t.co/le4kggb3in pic.twitter.com/VchlRImbIg
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 26, 2022
BYU cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford considered Ellis one of the best cover corners last season. Last year had the potential to be a breakout season for Ellis, but the injury against Arizona derailed those plans.
Ellis has remained close to the BYU football team and has supported BYU’s other athletic teams. For example, during this year’s women’s basketball season, Ellis was a frequent visitor with his football teammates at games, sitting courtside to support the nationally-ranked women’s team.
A native of San Diego, California, Ellis signed with BYU in 2017 as a wide receiver. However, he immediately switched over to the defensive side when he arrived on campus. In his redshirt freshman season in 2018, Ellis appeared in 12 games and showed a lot of promise as a young defensive back prospect.
The following year, Ellis was a scout team member due to injuries. He returned in 2020, during the strange COVID-19 year, recording 13 tackles.
BYU opens up spring practices on Monday, February 28.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
