On this episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, the guys sit down with Kaden Elliss of the Atlanta Falcons (signed with New Orleans Saints a week after this recording) for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond football.

Kaden shares his incredible journey—from being overlooked in recruiting and chasing a dream at quarterback, to carving out a career in the NFL through grit, faith, and relentless belief. But what truly defines his story is family. Growing up in a household of 12, with seven adopted siblings, Kaden opens up about how adoption shaped his identity, his values, and his purpose.

Brought to you by Promise 686 (promise686.org), an organization dedicated to placing vulnerable children into safe, loving homes, this episode dives deep into:

The life-changing impact of adoption and what “family” really means
Navigating doubt, setbacks, and the recruiting process
Why multi-sport athletes have an edge (and why specialization can hurt development)
Faith under pressure—and representing your beliefs in the heat of competition
Lessons from the NFL on leadership, discipline, and consistency

This is more than a football story—it’s a conversation about purpose, perspective, and the people who shape who we become.

164. 7-Yr NFL LB Kaden Elliss: Faith, Family, & Football