Craig Ellis
South Central Los Angeles to the NFL and the CFL — and back to the same juvenile hall where it started. This is the whole road, in his own words.
“Never forget where you come from.”
[ Words from my siblings ]
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, every day was a mystery. Something could happen for the best or for the worst and trouble was never far away where I lived. Sports were an avenue to escape.
Alumni in Action is — and always will be — a way to support my childhood community by coming back to where it all began, Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall.
Craig Ellis, co-founder, Alumni In Action
Two people who did not give up on me
In 1970, I was arrested for breaking and entering, my first arrest, and sadly it wasn't the last. Most successful athletes give credit to their coaches or parents but my situation was different.
I owe it to an amazing woman by the name of Mary Ridgeway, my probation officer, and the well-groomed judge, Mr. Morrison. At the time, I never understood how important they were but through reflection of my life's trials and triumphs, it's now evident that these two pillars were an intricate part of my life.
Life rocketed me to the dream of my life
I learned a lot in college but football taught me the groundwork necessary for life's battles. The teamwork, structure, strategy, friendship, hard work, and prayers were my motivation.
Playing professional football gave me the chance to compete at the highest level and in the end, I was rewarded with teammates that became my brothers.
He carried the ball for the Miami Dolphins, has a name plate at the Raiders' plaza in Los Angeles, and went on to a decorated career in the CFL with Saskatchewan and Edmonton.
In the league's record book
Craig led the Roughriders in rushing and became the first running back in CFL history to lead the league in receiving. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the 1990 season.
He remains one of a short list of players in CFL history with more than one 100-catch season — Saskatchewan in 1985, Edmonton in 1990.
100-catch seasons
Most Outstanding Player
Here to give back to those who got me here
Today, I'm here to give back to those who got me to where I am today. My fellow board members and I plan on being strong in the community by raising funds through donations and charitable events.
The common denominator of Alumni In Action? Each board member attended Francis H. Polytechnic, and together we're committed to making a difference.
See the workSee the workOn the field
The Good, The Bad, The Ellis
Craig told his story in full — South Central, the arrests, the probation officer and the judge who changed the direction of his life, and the decision to bring it all back to the community that raised him.
“Alumni in Action is lining up to give back to the community that gave so much.”
In their words
“Craig launched our biggest fundraiser in 1998. With his leadership and passion for this community the CFL Alumni Golf Tournament has raised almost a million dollars. We couldn't be prouder to have had a partner like Craig Ellis.”
“I have been personally acquainted with Craig for over 20 years. Craig saw an opportunity to create an event that was both fun and beneficial. His passion in helping to create fundraising models to the benefit of an organization is a quality that we can all learn from.”
“Craig is, without doubt, one of the most dedicated volunteers and community organizers we have known. His kindness, compassion, enthusiasm and concern for the success of young people he voluntarily coaches and trains are unmatched.”
Give them what we never had.
Craig succeeded on raw talent. Imagine what a student could do with a group like this one behind them.