2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Elijah Anderson-Taylor, LB, Florida International University

• Name: Elijah Anderson-Taylor
• Position: Linebacker 
• College: Florida International University
• Height: 6’0 
• Weight: 218lbs 
• Twitter: E_A_T_20
• Instagram: e.a.1one

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft is that I am relentless, I am elite at getting the ball out and causing turnovers at the FCS level I was a stat leader for most force fumbles putting me at #1 in the nation in force fumbles also led my division in tackles putting me at #1 in the big sky. I transferred to Florida international to play at the FBS level and in this past season had 95tackles making me second in the conference. 

How long have you been playing football?

I was interested in the sport of football ever since I can remember I want to say around 1st grade because I started playing with the 2nd graders when I was in first if felt like if I could compete with the older guys I could compete with anyone. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is I’m going to show up and show out everyday to the best of my ability and push myself past the limits so I can win my battles for the guy next to me that comes along with being a great teammate and someone my teammates can rely on.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to cancer I have friends and family that have been impacted by cancer and I can see the hurt it brings, so changing that would be where I put my efforts. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is, some people are thinkers others are doers but you will always be broke if you think of doing something instead of just doing it.

Who was your role model?

My childhood hero is a mix between my mom and my grandfather, my mom never made an excuse and raised me with a stern hand but the most loving heart. She showed me what resilience, grit, and perseverance is whether it was her taking me to practice and making dinner after the hardest day of work or putting the family above her own needs and my grandfather was my male role model he took care of his family and is always excited to see someone he cares about win. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL football has to be the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos linebackers royalty has been through both of those places from the middle to the edge, the correct answer is to whichever team gives me an opportunity!

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

The most underrated teammate on my team would have to be Josiah Taylor those big time school missed out on an elite freshmen he has the world ahead of him if he keeps. The pace that he is on! 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is people eating with their mouth wide open, I do not want to eat your food with you.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Mac he was my P.E teacher from 1st-8th grade he helped me realize sports can be an escape!

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Fighting through adversity is something that every athlete has to go through mine would have to be growing up a lot faster then I had too, my mom and I made it through a lot of tough times but being able to stay strong in those moments was something I had to do at a young age which kind of makes me the way that I am!

What is your favorite snack food? 

Sunflower seeds is my favorite snack food probably because of baseball

What is your degree in? 

I have two degrees my bachelor in Mass communication and my Masters in Global Strategic communication with a focus in Marketing and Risk Management!

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

I would probably want to have dinner with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mr. Beast I would ask them for a Job heading up a new division probably.