After a standout college career, former Indiana University running back Justice Ellison appeared poised to take the next step toward a professional football career. In his final season with the Hoosiers, Ellison rushed for 848 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. Across five seasons at Indiana, he accumulated over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and totaled 26 touchdowns. With such a remarkable college career, an NFL training camp invite seemed like a natural next step.
However, after Indiana’s final game at Notre Dame in mid-December, Ellison made a surprising decision. He decided to step away from the game of football. Despite the potential opportunities ahead, Ellison knew it was time to move on.
Ellison’s transition from player to coach came after a phone call with IU football coach Curt Cignetti. “I think I got a text from him (Ellison) a month, month and a half or so that he was going to be in town, would like to talk,” Cignetti shared. It was during this conversation that Ellison revealed his decision to retire from playing football and pursue a career in coaching.
In his message to Cignetti, Ellison explained his decision: “I’m done with football as a player, and I want to get into coaching.” His passion for the game remained strong, but he recognized that his future was no longer on the field. With a natural understanding of the game, Ellison’s shift to a coaching role seems like a seamless transition.
Ellison’s return to the IU program marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. His experience and insight as a former player will be invaluable to the team. Coach Cignetti expressed excitement about having Ellison back on staff, knowing that his firsthand knowledge of the game and his leadership will play a key role in developing the next generation of Hoosier athletes.
While it’s the end of Ellison’s playing career, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an impactful coaching journey. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see the positive influence he will bring to the program as he embarks on this new role.
