Keith Ellison

Keith Maurice Ellison (born August 4, 1963) has been the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), the Minnesota state Democratic Party affiliate. The district centers on Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Ellison is a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a Chief Deputy Whip, also notably serving in the House Committee on Financial Services.

Ellison is the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress. He is also the first African American elected to the House from Minnesota.

Early life, education, and career

Keith Ellison, the third of five sons, was born and raised Roman Catholic in Detroit, Michigan, by his parents Leonard Ellison, a social worker and a psychiatrist, and Clida (Martinez) Ellison. Ellison and three of his brothers became lawyers; his other brother became a doctor. One of Ellison's brothers is also the pastor of the Baptist "Church of the New Covenant" in Detroit. Ellison's youth was influenced by the involvement of his family in the civil rights movement, including his grandfather's work as a member of the NAACP in Louisiana.

Keith Ellison (American football)

Keith Ellison (born February 6, 1984) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State.

Early years

Ellison attended Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California and was a student and a standout in football and basketball. In football, he played quarterback, linebacker and safety, and as a senior, he was named the Bay League's Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-California Interscholastic Federation selection. In basketball, he was a four-year letterman and starter. Keith Ellison graduated from Redondo Union High School in 2002.

College career

He played 2 years of college football at Oregon State University, one year at El Camino College and 2 years at San Diego State University, and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft as the 178th overall pick.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

Ellison started his first NFL game in week two of the 2006 season, replacing the injured Takeo Spikes. Ellison went on to start 7 games for the Bills in 2006, filling in for both Takeo Spikes and Angelo Crowell because of injuries they suffered throughout the year. Ellison, standing at 6'0" 228 pounds, recorded 65 total tackles (33 solo), 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery in 2006, his rookie campaign.

Keith Ellison (disambiguation)

Keith Ellison is a member of the U.S. Congress from Minnesota.

Keith Ellison may also refer to: