Blake Elliott ‘03 selected to NFF College Football Hall of Fame

Blake Elliott, a 2003 graduate from St. John’s University and four-year member of the football team, was honored at last Saturday’s football game for his recent selection to be inducted into the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame. Elliott is the first student athlete from St. John’s to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His official induction will take place in Las Vegas on Dec. 9. Elliott is from Melrose, which is a small town about 25 minutes from SJU. Being so close, Elliott knew he wanted to go to college a little further away. Some of his older teammates from high school had gone on to play football at SJU and ended up finding success on the team. This was inspiring for Elliott to see his smalltown teammates find success at a competitive school. Additionally, as a standout basketball and football player, Elliott discovered he could continue both at St. John’s, which is how Elliott ended up coming to SJU. The rest is history. Elliott’s favorite moments from his time at St. John’s all come back to the people and the relationships he built over his four years.

“The reason we had the success that we had from a football team standpoint was because we loved being around each other and that brotherhood and friendship that came from playing football together,” Elliott said.

The culture that exists within SJU and St. John’s football has created relationships for Elliott that he says will last a lifetime.

“The biggest thing I take away is that some of these guys I played football with are my best friends in the world 24 years later and we’re going to be part of each other’s lives for a very long time,” Elliott said.

Elliott walked through the process of getting inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The NFF has a committee who reviews all individuals who meet a set of requirements. Then, they make you eligible to be on the Hall of Fame ballot. Each year there are about 125-150 athletes on the ballot, and the committee picks about 12-15 to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Most of the players who are inducted come from large Division I schools. Only one or two of the inductees are from small schools. After being on the ballot for 12 years, Elliott was finally chosen to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“12 years later, to finally get that word that I was going to be inducted this year was pretty surreal and special,” Elliott said.

Elliott, who now has four kids ranging from six to 15 years old, said this moment was really special because his kids are now old enough to understand what this is and celebrate it with him. Elliott said Saturday’s celebration meant a lot to him and his family. SJU head football coach Gary Fasching said Elliott was an incredible athlete and could always make a big play when the team needed one.

“Whether it was a run, catching a routine pass and turning it into a big play, or a great kick return, you could count on Blake to change the game in so many ways. He truly was a special talent,” Fasching said.

Fasching was an assistant coach for St. John’s when Elliott played for the team, and he remembers how dominant Elliott was.

“Athletically one of the most gifted players I have ever seen. Every team we played tried to defend against him to try to take him out of the game, but it didn’t matter, he just found another way to impact the game and continued to make big plays,” Fasching said.

Very few players who play college football are inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and even fewer of them are from a small Division III school.

“Having been part of the recruiting process to get Blake to come to St. John’s, it is especially gratifying to see him going into the Hall [of Fame]. Blake has remained close to the program and has given back in countless ways,” Fasching said.

Fasching reflected on what Elliott means to this program.

“In my opinion and the opinion of many others, Blake Elliott is the greatest player in the history of St. John’s Football. What he accomplished during his four years at St. John’s might never be equaled,” Fasching said. “He holds 29 team records, some of which might never be broken. He is remembered as a dynamic player who helped bring a National Championship to St. John’s.”

Elliott’s legacy will be remembered at St. John’s and by other football coaches he played against.

“When opposing coaches say that Blake was the greatest player they ever coached against, that says it all. Now he rightfully takes his place in the College Football Hall of Fame. As a player, that is the greatest achievement you can attain and there is no one more deserving than Blake Elliott,” Fasching said.

SJU Interim Athletic Director Dan O’Brien said this is a once in a lifetime moment, which makes it even more special.

“Not only is this an incredible moment for Blake Elliott and his family, for St. John’s University, but for all of Division III athletics as well,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said it was amazing to be at Saturday’s celebration and soak up that day with Elliott and his family.

“St. John’s has never had a student athlete be inducted into the Hall of Fame and they may never have another,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien first met Elliott this summer and recalled the type of person Elliott is.

“He’s had incredible success not only as a football player here [at SJU], but also since he’s left here and in the business world. When you meet him, he’s as down to earth as you can imagine. That’s what sticks out to me,” O’Brien said. “He’s been incredibly successful in everything he does, but you would never know it. He’s humble and he’s thankful, which is exactly what we teach here at St. John’s.