Rich Ellender

Richard Ellender (born June 9, 1957) is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL).

Rich Ellender

No. 85
Position:	Wide receiver Return specialist
Personal information
Born:	(1957-06-09) June 9, 1957 (age 67) Sulphur, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	165 lb (75 kg)
Career information
High school:	Sulphur (Sulphur, Louisiana)
College:	McNeese State
NFL draft:	1979: 9th round, 243rd pick
Career history
Houston Oilers (1979–1980)
Career highlights and awards
All-Southland Conference (1978)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 1 Receiving yards: 15 Return yards: 717 Stats at Pro Football Reference

College career

Ellender played four seasons for the McNeese State Cowboys. He was named All-Southland Conference as a senior when he had 23 receptions for 402 yards and four touchdowns.^[1] Ellender was inducted into McNeese State's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.^[2]

Professional career

Ellender was selected in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers.^[3] Ellender was originally cut during the preseason but was re-signed by the team.^[4] When he joined the team, the coach told him, "I don't wan't you to fumble, and every yard you move the ball toward the goal line, that's one less yard Earl [Campbell] will have to get by himself."^[5] Ellender finished the season with one reception for 15 yards and was the Oilers' leading punt and kick returner.^[6] Ellender was cut at the end of training camp in 1980.^[7]

Personal life

Ellender stayed in Houston after his football career ended and works as a loans officer.^[8]