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Pat Elflein
Pat Elflein
Pat Elflein
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Patrick Elflein (born July 6, 1994) is an American professional football center. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning the Rimington Trophy in 2016. Elflein was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Born in Pickerington, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, Elflein attended Pickerington High School North. A four-year football letterman and a two-time football team captain, Elflein earned 12 letters in his high school career, four each in the sports of football, wrestling and track and field. He was named in football to All-Ohio Capital Conference, All-Central District and to the Dispatch's All-Metro teams. He was the 2011 wrestler of the year in the OCC as he qualified for both the state and national tournament. Elflein also excelled on the track and field team; as an eighth grader, he won a division title in the shot put, and his best throw was 50 ft 11 in (15.52 m).[1]

Ranked as the No. 22 guard prospect in the nation by ESPN and No. 31 by Scout.com, Elflein didn't wrestle with his decision about which school to attend once he received a scholarship offer from the Ohio State University, committing on July 14, 2011. As a result, the Buckeyes' recruiting class secured two of the 2011 Associated Press (AP) first-team Division I all-state offensive linemen in Elflein and Jacoby Boren (from cross-town school Pickerington High School Central).

College career

[edit]

Elflein redshirted his first year at Ohio State in 2012 due to a foot injury.[2] Elflein was one of only two starters returning in 2015 and served as a captain for the 2016 season, his senior season in which he won the Rimington Trophy and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy.[3] He graduated with a communications degree and finished his career as a graduate student, and prior to receiving his degree, he earned three OSU Scholar-Athlete awards and one Academic All-Big Ten Conference honor. He was a first-team All-Big Ten in each of his final three seasons.

Freshman season (2013)

[edit]
See also: 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Elflein earned his first varsity letter playing in all 14 games as a reserve offensive lineman when Corey Linsley was the Buckeyes' senior center. On September 21, he played 57 snaps on offense in the Buckeyes' overwhelming win over Florida A&M and then had several series worth of offensive snaps against Penn State and Purdue before being called in to play three quarters against Michigan in week 12. His play against the Wolverines in the one-point win earned him the start in the Big Ten championship game against Michigan State.

Sophomore season (2014)

[edit]
See also: 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

Elflein earned the first of his three first-team All-Big Ten seasons as a sophomore, starting all 15 games including the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship.[4] He opened the season at left guard and started the first three games there, but moved to right guard for the final 12 games, helping lead the Buckeyes to a Top 10 national ranking in rushing with just over 264 yards per game as he and his offensive line teammates paved the way for Ezekiel Elliott to become the first running back in school history to rush for 200 yards in consecutive games. The offense was outstanding all around, with school records for touchdowns (90), points scored (637), passing yards (3,707) and passing touchdowns (42) as well.

Junior season (2015)

[edit]
See also: 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

In his junior campaign, Elflein started all 13 games at the right guard spot for a Buckeye squad that finished 12-1 and capped their season with a 44–28 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.[5] He received second-team All-American status by the Associated Press (AP) and Sports Illustrated for his dominant play.[6] He was also named first-team All-Big Ten Conference for the second consecutive year by the league's head coaches and also by the media as he helped pave the way for Ohio State to lead the Big Ten in rushing at 245.2 yards per game and finish second in the conference in scoring and third in total offense.

Senior season (2016)

[edit]
See also: 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

Prior to his senior year in 2016, Elflein handled a position switch, moving from guard to the center position as a fifth-year senior, with aplomb, starting all 13 games for the Buckeyes.[7][8] He ended up garnering the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center and helping Ohio State make the College Football Playoff semifinals. Elflein also was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy and won the Pace Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year. Elflein was named the Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year and was a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2016. Along with Malik Hooker, they became the first pair of Buckeye teammates to be named unanimous All-Americans in the same year since Orlando Pace and Eddie George back in 1995.[9]

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Prior to his senior season, Elflein was regarded as one of the best guards in the country and a likely first-round selection.[10] Following his senior season, in which he had transitioned to center, an NFC West scout declared to NFL.com: "In Elflein, you are getting a guy who will be great for your locker room and will get the rest of the offensive line on board. I think he could have the same fast impact on a team's running game that Zach Martin had with the Dallas Cowboys. Safe draft pick to me."[11] During the pre-draft evaluations, Elflein was widely viewed as the best center in the class and was often compared to Corey Linsley, who was Elflein's teammate at Ohio State, and Cowboys' Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick.[12]

External videos
video icon Elflein performing at the NFL Combine
video icon Elflein gets drafted by Minnesota
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 2+5⁄8 in
(1.90 m)		 303 lb
(137 kg)		 33+1⁄4 in
(0.84 m)		 9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 5.32 s 1.88 s 3.08 s 4.71 s 7.94 s 23.5 in
(0.60 m)		 8 ft 3 in
(2.51 m)		 22 reps 21
All values are from NFL Combine[13][14][15]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]
Elflein with the Vikings in 2017

Elflein was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 70th overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.[16] The Vikings traded up for the second time on Friday night, sending No. 79 and a fifth-round pick to the New York Jets in order to acquire the 70th overall selection.[17] The day after the Draft, the Vikings announced Elflein would wear No. 65, the same number he wore at Ohio State.[18]

"A doozy of a find in Round 3, and well worth trading up from No. 79 to get him. Elflein was the best center in this draft, and I think he can be Minnesota's man in the middle for years to come."

— Chris Burke, Sports Illustrated draft analyst

Elflein entered his rookie season as the Vikings starting center, starting 14 games and missing two due to a shoulder injury. Following an impressive rookie season, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[19]

After undergoing shoulder and ankle surgeries, Elflein missed the first three games of the 2018 season.[20] He returned to the starting lineup in Week 4 at center, and remained there the rest of the season.

In 2019, Elflein was moved to left guard after the Vikings drafted Garrett Bradbury in the first round of the 2019 draft to play center.[21]

In 2020, Elflein was moved over to right guard. He played one game for the Vikings before he suffered a thumb injury in practice and was placed on injured reserve on September 17, 2020.[22] He was activated on November 13,[23] but was waived the next day.[24]

New York Jets

[edit]

Elflein was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on November 16, 2020.[25] Elflein started the final six games of the season for the Jets at left guard after Alex Lewis was injured.[26]

Carolina Panthers

[edit]

On March 17, 2021, Elflein signed a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.[27] He was named the Panthers starting left guard to start the season. He was placed on injured reserve on September 21, 2021, after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2.[28] He was activated on November 3, 2021.

Elflein was named the Panthers starting center for the 2022 season. He was placed on injured reserve on October 22, 2022, with a hip injury.[29]

On March 14, 2023, Elflein was released by the Panthers.[30]

Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

On July 25, 2023, Elflein signed with the Arizona Cardinals.[31] He was placed on injured reserve on August 28, 2023.[32]

San Francisco 49ers

[edit]

On August 2, 2024, the San Francisco 49ers signed Elfein to a one-year deal.[33] However, Elflein suffered a calf injury in his first practice with the team and was placed on injured reserve on August 5.[34] He was then released with an injury settlement four days later.[35]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pat Elflein

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Pat Elflein (born July 6, 1994) is an American football center who last played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Carolina Panthers. A native of Pickerington, Ohio, Elflein excelled at Ohio State University, where he was recognized as a team captain and earned the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2016, along with being a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (70th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, he has appeared in 65 games with 64 starts across multiple teams, establishing himself as a reliable interior lineman despite injury setbacks. Elflein's college career at spanned from 2012 to 2016, beginning as a redshirt before becoming a starter on the offensive line. He transitioned to for his senior season, anchoring a unit that supported a high-powered offense and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors as the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2016. His leadership and technical prowess were highlighted by multiple All-American selections and nominations for prestigious awards like the , contributing to State's 11-2 record and Big Ten Championship that year. In the , Elflein quickly became a starter for the , playing all 15 games as a in 2017 and helping the team reach the before suffering a fractured ankle. He started 43 of 44 games over four seasons with but dealt with shoulder and ankle injuries that limited his 2018 and 2019 campaigns. Released in 2020, he briefly joined the before signing a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the in 2021, where he started 15 games over two seasons. Released by Carolina in March 2023, he signed with the in July 2023 but was placed on injured reserve in August without appearing in a game. Elflein signed a one-year deal with the in August 2024 but was released shortly after due to injury without playing, continuing as a versatile offensive lineman with a career approximate value of 26.

Early life

Family background

Patrick Elflein was born on July 6, 1994, in Pickerington, Ohio. Elflein is the youngest of four children born to parents Ken and Lisa Elflein. His father, Ken, worked in the concrete construction business and earned the nickname "Ken Crete" for his profession. The family lived in a home they affectionately called "The Crete Factory" on Thurman Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, where all four siblings began their lives. His siblings include older brother Chris, a firefighter nine years his senior; brother Matt, five years older and a former college football player at Ohio Dominican University; and sister Heather, the next youngest after Pat. The Elflein family faced significant challenges due to Matt's struggles with drug addiction, which began with pain pills following a torn labrum surgery and escalated to him living in his car or drug houses, becoming estranged from the family. Lisa played a central role in the support system, searching for Matt on Columbus streets and eventually confronting him to arrange 47 days of inpatient rehabilitation in , which marked the start of his recovery. The family provided ongoing emotional backing throughout this period, helping Matt rebuild his life. Elflein received early encouragement in sports from his family, particularly through Matt, who introduced him to training at Metro Fitness in Pickerington and instilled a strong work ethic that fueled his passion for football.

High school career

Pat Elflein attended Pickerington North High School in Pickerington, Ohio, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning 12 varsity letters across football, wrestling, and track and field. As a three-sport standout, he demonstrated versatility and athletic prowess that contributed to his recruitment by major college programs. In football, Elflein served as a starting offensive lineman and four-year letterwinner for the Panthers, anchoring the line during his junior and senior seasons. As a senior in 2011, he earned first-team All-Ohio honors in Division I and was recognized as an All-State performer. He also served as a two-time team captain, showcasing leadership on a squad that competed competitively in Ohio's Central District. Elflein's wrestling career highlighted his toughness and technical skill, as he qualified for the (OHSAA) state tournament multiple times, including appearances in 2011 and 2012 where he recorded competitive records such as 3-1 and 4-2 in bracket play. He earned All-State honors in the sport, building a strong foundation in hand-fighting and leverage that translated to his football performance. In track and field, Elflein competed in throwing events like the discus and , advancing to regional competitions and securing All-State recognition for his efforts. During his senior year, Elflein attracted scholarship offers from several programs before receiving an opportunity from , to which he committed on July 13, 2011, as part of the 2012 recruiting class. At Pickerington North, he was high school teammates with future , with whom he shared a close friendship that persisted into their college careers at rival programs.

College career

Freshman season (2013)

Pat Elflein redshirted his true freshman season in 2012 after suffering a foot injury shortly after arriving at Ohio State, preserving a year of eligibility while allowing him to adjust to the college level through scout team practices. This redshirt year proved beneficial, as Elflein credited it with building his confidence by enabling him to make mistakes without high-stakes consequences and to learn the offensive scheme under coaches like . Enrolled in Ohio State's communications degree program, he balanced academics with intensive weight room sessions that contributed to his physical maturation, entering the 2013 season at 6-foot-3 and 293 pounds after bulking up from his high school frame. As a redshirt in 2013, Elflein served primarily as a offensive lineman, focusing on guard and center positions while learning behind established starters like at center and Marcus Hall at right guard. He appeared in all 14 games for the Buckeyes, logging limited snaps mostly in non-conference blowouts, such as the majority of a 76-0 rout of Florida A&M, where he gained early-game experience without facing top competition. His versatility from high school, where he played both offense and defense, aided his quick adaptation to rotating between guard spots during practices. Elflein's role expanded late in the season amid team challenges, including Hall's ejection and brawl involvement during a 42-41 win over , where he entered as right guard and helped stabilize the line in a crucial rivalry victory. Due to Hall's subsequent suspension, Elflein earned his first career start at right guard in the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan State, where Ohio State lost 24-34 despite entering undefeated at 12-0. This loss ended their unbeaten streak, but they still advanced to the as an at-large selection. He followed with significant playing time in the against Clemson, where the Buckeyes fell 40-35 despite their overall 12-2 record, 8-0 Big Ten mark, and No. 7 final AP ranking. These opportunities marked key steps in his development, emphasizing technique refinement and under Urban Meyer's high-expectation program.

Sophomore season (2014)

In 2014, Pat Elflein transitioned from a backup role primarily at center during his freshman year to becoming a full-time starter on the offensive line for Ohio State, demonstrating notable adaptability as he shifted to guard. He started the first three games at left guard before moving to right guard for the remainder of the season, a change praised by coaches for his versatility and quick adjustment to different blocking assignments. Elflein started all 15 games at guard, anchoring an offensive line that helped State achieve an undefeated 8-0 record in Big Ten play and secure the conference with a 59-0 victory over . The Buckeyes advanced through the , defeating 42-35 in the semifinal before claiming the national with a 42-20 win over . His contributions were integral to an offense that led the Big Ten in rushing yards, allowing just 1.87 sacks per game overall. For his performance, Elflein earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and media, recognizing his reliability in pass protection and run blocking during a season where the Buckeyes scored efficiently against top defenses. Off the field, he was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team, honoring his strong academic standing alongside his athletic achievements.

Junior season (2015)

During his junior season in 2015, Pat Elflein started all 13 games at right guard for the , leveraging his experience from the previous year to anchor the offensive line. As one of only two returning starters on the line, Elflein quickly established himself as a vocal leader, making pre-snap line calls and mentoring younger players like true freshmen such as Billy Price, helping to integrate them into the unit's schemes. His steady presence contributed to a cohesive group that supported a potent ground game, with Ohio State ranking among the Big Ten leaders in rushing efficiency. The Buckeyes finished the year with a 12-1 record and a tie for the East Division title before advancing to the semifinal as an at-large selection, where they fell 44-28 to Clemson in the . Elflein's performance helped the offense average 245.3 rushing yards per game while allowing just 19 sacks over the 13 contests, a low rate that underscored the line's pass protection under pressure. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and media, recognizing his reliability and impact. Additionally, Elflein served as a team captain, embodying the leadership expected of upperclassmen on a squad navigating a transition midseason. Elflein remained healthy throughout the campaign, starting every game without missing time due to injury, which allowed him to maintain consistency in his role.

Senior season (2016)

In his senior season, Pat Elflein started all 13 games at center for the Ohio State Buckeyes, anchoring the offensive line as the team finished with an 11-2 record. The Buckeyes' only regular-season loss came in a 24-21 defeat to Penn State on October 22, which also cost them the Big Ten East Division title due to the head-to-head tiebreaker; Ohio State did not advance to the Big Ten Championship Game. Elflein's line contributed to a potent rushing attack that ranked ninth nationally with 258.3 yards per game, while the team allowed just eight sacks over the season, ranking fourth in the FBS at 0.6 sacks per game. Elflein excelled in run blocking, earning an 83.8 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), the second-highest among all FBS centers, though his pass-blocking grade dipped to 46.5 amid a transition to center that saw him yield three sacks, two quarterback hits, and 11 hurries. As a two-time team captain—having also served in 2015—he emerged as the vocal leader of the offensive line, providing stability for a young unit with just three returning starters and guiding the group through high-stakes matchups. Competing as a graduate student after completing his communications degree in spring 2016, Elflein helped propel State to the . The season ended with a 31-0 loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinal on December 31, 2016, after which Elflein turned his focus to preparing for the .

Professional career

Pre-draft process

At the 2017 , Elflein measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 303 pounds, with 33¼-inch arms and 9¾-inch hands. He ran the in 5.32 seconds, recorded a 23.5-inch , an 8-foot-3-inch broad jump, and completed 22 repetitions at 225 pounds. These results highlighted his functional strength but underscored concerns about his speed and explosiveness for an interior lineman. During Ohio State's Pro Day on March 23, 2017, Elflein participated in position-specific drills and interviews with teams, opting not to re-run the or perform additional timed tests after his Combine efforts. He focused on demonstrating his technique in blocking drills under the guidance of trainer , emphasizing his footwork and hand placement to scouts from over 20 teams, including the and Jets. Scouting reports praised Elflein's versatility across guard and positions, high football intelligence, and ability to sustain blocks with good leverage and aggression in the run game. His strengths included a thick lower body for anchoring against bull rushes and quick initial recognition of stunts, drawing comparisons to for his multi-positional adaptability. However, evaluators noted weaknesses such as shorter arm length limiting his reach in pass protection, average athleticism, and occasional overextension that exposed him to counters. Projected as a mid-round pick, Elflein was viewed as a reliable starter with Day 1 potential at guard or , though his testing numbers risked a slide into the fourth round. The Minnesota Vikings selected Elflein in the third round, 70th overall, on April 28, 2017. He signed a four-year worth $3,747,840, including a $936,840 and $936,840 in guarantees.

Minnesota Vikings (2017–2020)

Elflein was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (70th overall) of the , and his versatility from playing both center and guard at Ohio State enabled him to step immediately into the starting lineup as a . In his season of 2017, Elflein started all 14 regular-season games at center for the Vikings, who finished with a 13-3 record and advanced to the after defeating the in the Divisional Round, before losing to the in the . He also started both playoff games, earning recognition as a member of the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team for his contributions to an offensive line that tied for seventh in the with just 27 sacks allowed. Elflein personally allowed four sacks across the season but was penalized only once, helping anchor a unit that supported a strong rushing attack led by . He missed the final two regular-season games due to a shoulder injury. Entering 2018, Elflein underwent offseason surgeries on his shoulder and ankle from the prior year, causing him to miss the first two games, but he returned to start 13 of the 14 appearances at during a season that ended with an 8-7-1 record and no playoff berth. The offensive line struggled overall, allowing 40 sacks, though Elflein's individual performance remained solid in run blocking, contributing to the team's mid-tier rushing output. For 2019, the Vikings drafted center in the first round, shifting Elflein to left guard, where he started all 15 games as compiled a 10-6 record to win the , hosted and won a Wild Card playoff game, and reached the Divisional Round before losing to the . In the new role, Elflein allowed six sacks according to grading, but the line ranked respectably in run blocking efficiency, supporting Dalvin Cook's Pro Bowl-caliber performance with over 1,500 scrimmage yards. No major injuries sidelined him that year. Elflein signed his standard four-year rookie contract worth $3,747,840, including a $936,840 , which carried an average annual value of about $937,000 through 2020. In 2020, he moved to right guard and started the season opener before suffering a thumb injury in practice after Week 1, landing on injured reserve and appearing in just one game overall. The released him on November 14, 2020, a move that saved approximately $1 million in cap space amid roster adjustments during a 7-9 season without playoffs. Over his four seasons with , Elflein appeared in 44 games with 43 starts.

New York Jets (2020)

On November 16, 2020, the claimed offensive lineman Pat Elflein off waivers from the , adding depth to their interior line amid a struggling 0-9 start to the season. Elflein, a third-round pick in 2017 who had started 43 of 44 games over his first three full seasons with , joined a Jets team in need of veteran presence following injuries and inconsistencies along the offensive front. Elflein quickly integrated into the lineup, starting at left guard for the Jets' final six games after limited time—just three sessions before his debut. He appeared in six contests, playing all offensive snaps (367 total) in each while also contributing 20 special teams snaps, primarily as a and guard. Despite his experience, the mid-season transition presented challenges, including adapting to the Jets' blocking schemes and supporting a unit that allowed 65 sacks—the second-most in the that year. The Jets finished the 2020 campaign with a 2-14 record, their lone victories coming in Weeks 15 and 17, during which Elflein anchored the left side of the line. Entering the 2021 offseason as an unrestricted after the expiration of his rookie contract, Elflein departed New York without a new offer from the team.

Carolina Panthers (2021–2022)

On March 17, 2021, Elflein signed a three-year contract with the worth $13.5 million, including $6 million fully guaranteed, marking his return to a starting role after limited play with the Jets. In , Elflein began the season as the starting left guard, leveraging his versatility from prior teams to anchor the interior line. He started all nine games he appeared in before a injury sidelined him, placing him on injured reserve on after Week 2; he was activated on October 28 and returned to start the final seven contests at following an injury to . Limited by the injury to 534 offensive snaps (90% of team total), Elflein's play contributed to a Panthers offensive line that allowed 52 sacks (fifth-most in the ), though the unit showed modest gains in run blocking as Carolina rushed for 1,670 yards (15th in the league). The Panthers finished the season 5-12, their third straight losing record under coach . Elflein restructured his contract in March 2022, converting $4.865 million of his salary into a signing bonus to free up cap space for the Panthers. He transitioned to the primary starting center, logging 337 offensive snaps (100% of team total) across six starts before a hip injury in Week 6 led to season-ending surgery and placement on injured reserve on October 29. Over his two seasons in Carolina, Elflein accumulated 871 offensive snaps, primarily at center with occasional guard duties, aiding a run game that improved to 2,210 rushing yards (ninth in the NFL at 130.0 yards per game) despite the line ranking near the bottom overall in pass protection (31st in 2021 and 32nd in 2022 per PFF grades). Under interim coach Steve Wilks after Rhule's midseason firing, the Panthers ended 2022 with a 7-10 record, securing second place in the NFC South. On March 14, 2023, the Panthers released Elflein as part of roster moves ahead of free agency.

Arizona Cardinals (2023)

On July 25, 2023, Pat Elflein signed a one-year contract with the worth $1.15 million, including a $25,000 and a $45,000 roster bonus, providing veteran depth to the offensive line as began. The deal positioned him to compete for a rotational role at center or guard, drawing on his prior experience across multiple teams including the Minnesota Vikings, , and . Elflein appeared in three preseason games for the Cardinals, logging one snap in the opener against the on , but did not start any contests. However, his season was derailed early when the team placed him on injured reserve on August 28, 2023, due to an undisclosed injury sustained during , preventing any regular-season participation and resulting in zero offensive snaps played. The Cardinals finished the 2023 regular season with a 4-13 record, last in the , amid broader offensive line challenges that contributed to the unit ranking among the league's worst in pass protection efficiency according to metrics. Elflein's absence highlighted the group's injury vulnerabilities and inconsistency, as the line allowed 41 sacks—tied for 20th in the —while supporting a rushing attack that graded positively in run blocking but faltered overall. Following the season, the Cardinals did not re-sign Elflein, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency in March 2024 as one of nine unrestricted free agents from the roster.

San Francisco 49ers (2024)

On August 2, 2024, the signed veteran offensive lineman Pat Elflein to an undisclosed one-year contract to provide depth along the interior line, particularly amid injuries to starters like center and guard . The 30-year-old, a third-round pick by the in 2017 and a journeyman across multiple teams, was waived by the earlier that offseason after missing the 2023 season due to injury. Elflein's tenure proved extremely brief, as he suffered a calf strain during his first practice on August 5, 2024, just three days after signing. The 49ers promptly placed him on injured reserve that same day, sidelining him for the entire 2024 regular season with no appearances in games or practices thereafter. On August 9, 2024, the 49ers released Elflein from injured reserve with an injury settlement, ending his time with the team after less than a week.

2025–present

Following his release from the in August 2024 due to a calf injury sustained during , Pat Elflein became an unrestricted . He did not appear in any regular-season games that year after signing a one-year deal with the team earlier in the month. As of November 19, 2025, Elflein remains unsigned and has not been reported to participate in any workouts or tryouts with teams during the 2025 season. At age 31, he continues to be regarded as a reliable interior offensive lineman capable of providing depth at or guard. Throughout his spanning 2017 to 2023, Elflein has played in 65 games, starting 64 of them, with the majority of his snaps at and occasional starts at left guard. His experience includes stints with the Minnesota Vikings, , , , and a brief 2024 tenure with the 49ers.

Awards and honors

College awards

During his sophomore season in 2014, Pat Elflein earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a guard, selected by both conference coaches and media voters for his contributions to State's offensive line. In 2015, as a junior, Elflein received first-team All-Big Ten recognition again, this time unanimously from both coaches and media, while also earning Academic All-Big Ten honors for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher alongside his athletic performance. He was additionally named an State Scholar-Athlete that year for his academic excellence and earned second-team All-American honors. Elflein's senior year in 2016 marked his most decorated season, culminating in winning the as the nation's top center; the award, presented annually since 2000, is selected by a committee evaluating centers' performance, leadership, and impact on their team's offense. He also claimed the Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award, chosen by conference coaches for outstanding play along the line. Elflein earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the third consecutive season, was named a unanimous All-American, and was a finalist for the , which recognizes the best interior lineman based on voting from the . Throughout his Ohio State career, Elflein served as a two-time team captain in 2015 and 2016, demonstrating leadership on and off the field, and received multiple Ohio State Scholar-Athlete awards for his academic achievements.

Professional honors

In 2017, Pat Elflein earned recognition as a member of the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team during his debut season as the starting center for the . This honor, voted on by members of the PFWA based on standout performances by first-year players, underscored Elflein's rapid adaptation to the , where he started all 14 games he appeared in and anchored an offensive line that supported a offense ranking second in the league in completion percentage. As the sole selected to the PFWA All-Rookie Team that year, Elflein's selection highlighted his individual impact amid a rookie class that included notable talents like linebacker and cornerback . The PFWA award emphasizes contributions in key areas such as run blocking and pass protection for linemen, areas where Elflein excelled early in his career, helping the achieve a 13-3 regular-season record and an title. Despite this early accolade, Elflein has not received major NFL honors such as selections or designations throughout his professional tenure.

Personal life

Family

Pat Elflein married Emily Lachey, daughter of former Ohio State All-American and NFL offensive lineman , on May 15, 2021, in . The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Remi Ann Elflein, on April 29, 2023. They welcomed their second child, daughter Lucy Marie Elflein, on May 21, 2025. The Elfleins reside primarily in the Columbus, Ohio, area, with Elflein maintaining ties to team cities during the NFL season. Elflein's parents, Ken and Lisa, along with his three older siblings—sister Heather and brothers Matt and Chris—have offered ongoing support throughout his professional career, attending games and providing emotional backing amid team transitions. Limited public details are available about the family beyond occasional announcements, reflecting Elflein's preference for in personal matters.

Philanthropy

Pat Elflein has been actively involved in , particularly supporting causes related to recovery, drawing from personal family experiences with . In 2016, he spoke at an event organized by Tyler's Light, a nonprofit founded by his football coach to combat abuse and illegal drug use following the loss of Campbell's son to ; Elflein addressed over 600 high school students about the impacts of and the importance of recovery. Elflein's commitment to Tyler's Light extended to fundraising efforts, including a 2017 collaboration with former Ohio State center to auction a signed football, which raised funds to educate communities on drug dangers. He has continued to leverage his platform for awareness, participating in related speaking engagements during his college career at Ohio State. In his NFL tenure, Elflein has supported various charitable initiatives through league programs. During the 2019 "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign with the Minnesota , he wore custom cleats to promote Crescent Cove, a nonprofit providing care for children with life-threatening illnesses. In 2021 with the , he backed the USO of , which supports military families and service members. Additionally, he participated in the ' annual charity golf tournament in 2018 to benefit community causes.

References

  1. https://rimingtontrophy.com/past-winners/
  2. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2016/11/21/pat-elflein-named-finalist-for-the-outland-trophy
  3. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/ElflPa00.htm
  4. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/2976295/pat-elflein
  5. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2016/11/30/barrett-elflein-weber-earn-big-ten-offensive-honors
  6. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2016/11/15/barrett-elflein-among-top-20-nominations-for-lombardi-award
  7. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24482961/minnesota-vikings-center-pat-elflein-miss-remainder-preseason
  8. https://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/34801/carolina-panthers-nfl-free-agent-signings-2021-pat-elflein-cam-erving-fortify-line
  9. https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-add-multiple-players-including-potential-center-pat-elflein
  10. https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-ol-pat-elfein-waive-ol-briason-mays
  11. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/30183/
  12. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2016/07/71925/the-finisher-ohio-state-center-pat-elflein-embodies-family-mindset-with-intensity-on-field
  13. https://www.twincities.com/2017/09/08/concrete-strong-pat-elflein-ready-to-debut-as-vikings-starting-center/
  14. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2016/11/25/gameday-pat-elflein-s-success/23389558007/
  15. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18075217/ohio-state-buckeyes-center-pat-elflein-helps-older-brother-cope-addiction
  16. https://www.panthers.com/news/get-to-know-offensive-lineman-pat-elflein
  17. https://www.vikings.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-new-vikings-c-pat-elflein-18797387
  18. https://www.vikings.com/news/prospect-profile-ohio-state-c-pat-elflein-18659848
  19. https://americanfootballdatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Pat_Elflein
  20. https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/2011/allohio11.htm
  21. https://247sports.com/Player/Pat-Elflein-13252/college-37045/
  22. https://www.ohsaa.org/sports/wr/boys/2011/bd1rslt11.htm
  23. https://oh.milesplit.com/meets/87566-ohsaa-regional-track-and-field-championships-pickerington-3-2011/results/161679/raw
  24. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/videos/_/id/112520/pat-elflein
  25. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2016/11/77048/friends-former-teammates-ohio-states-pat-elflein-michigans-jake-butt-put-everything-on-hold-saturday
  26. https://www.thelantern.com/2014/11/redshirt-players-making-an-impact-for-ohio-state/
  27. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2016/12/27/ohio-state-pat-elflein-offensive-lineman-playoff/95893228/
  28. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/college/2016/12/09/incredible-journey-for-ohio/10629894007/
  29. https://www.dailyadvocate.com/2016/11/22/ohio-states-pat-elflein-got-early-lesson-about-michigan-games/
  30. https://www.thelantern.com/2013/12/pat-elflein-un-freaking-believable-relief-marcus-hall-michigan/
  31. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2014/3/11/spring-spotlight-pat-elflein
  32. https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400519177/ohio-state-michigan-st
  33. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2013-schedule.html
  34. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/99-warriors/2018/06/94029/99-warriors-no-65-rimington-trophy-winner-and-three-time-all-big-ten-offensive-lineman-pat-elflein
  35. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2014/10/41213/elflein-comfortable-wherever-he-winds-up-on-offensive-line
  36. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/pat-elfein-1.html
  37. https://247sports.com/player/pat-elflein-13252/
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  39. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/news/2014/12/10/12-named-academic-all-big-ten-conference
  40. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/12/64424/ohio-states-ezekiel-elliott-taylor-decker-pat-elflein-lead-batch-of-buckeyes-chosen-to
  41. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/2015/11/02/ohio-state-football-pat-elflein/24187690007/
  42. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/2015.html
  43. https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/194/season/2015
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  45. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-22-penn-state.html
  46. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2016/11/77183/ohio-state-is-11-1-but-wont-play-for-the-big-ten-championship-whats-next
  47. https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/elflein-takes-home-2016-rimington-trophy
  48. https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/stat/qb-sacked-per-game
  49. https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-scouting-report-pat-elflein-cg-ohio-state
  50. https://www.pff.com/news/draft-vikings-grab-o-lineman-elflein-in-3rd-round
  51. https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2016/08/72978/jt-barrett-raekwon-mcmillan-and-pat-elflein-officially-confirmed-as-2016-ohio-state-captains
  52. https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/article/ohio-state-buckeyes-football-top-20-contributors-2016-pat-elflein-center-50816764/
  53. https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/400876108/ohio-state-clemson
  54. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/pat-elflein/3200454c-4617-7981-a93d-0e2331f21f60
  55. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2017-combine.htm
  56. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/03/03/elflein-puts-in-hard-work/12271496007/
  57. https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2017pelflein.php
  58. https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/2/9/14551982/2017-nfl-draft-scouting-report-pat-elflein-ol-ohio-state
  59. https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/03/20/nfl-draft-scouting-reports-pat-elflein
  60. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2017-nfl-draft-ohio-state-pat-elflein-scouting-report
  61. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/21812/pat-elflein
  62. https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/25468/how-pat-elflein-helped-vikings-transform-weak-link-and-contend-for-crown
  63. https://www.vikings.com/news/former-ohio-state-teammates-describe-pat-elflein-s-impact-20426750
  64. https://www.dailynorseman.com/2018/1/16/16899522/pat-elflein-named-all-rookie-team-pro-football-writers-of-america
  65. https://vikingsterritory.com/2018/general-news/vikings-center-pat-elflein-named-to-pfwa-all-rookie-team
  66. https://jetswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2020/11/17/new-york-jets-pat-elflein-things-to-know/79850892007/
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  68. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/12/pat-elflein-listed-as-vikings-player-on-the-hot-seat-for-2020/
  69. https://www.vikings.com/news/2019-vikings-position-recap-offensive-line
  70. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/pat-elflein-21812/
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  73. https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-claim-ol-pat-elflein
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  85. https://cardswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2023/08/28/cardinals-place-ol-pat-elflein-in-ir-announce-3-cuts/79299949007/
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  113. https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-raise-awareness-my-cause-my-cleats-campaign-2019
  114. https://static.www.nfl.com/league/causes/my-cause-my-cleats/MCMC_Player_Cause_List_2021.pdf
  115. https://www.startribune.com/vikings-center-pat-elflein-says-he-ll-be-ready-for-training-camp/484795141
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