Elias offering youngsters encouragement, motivation

By tim morris
Staff Writer

VERONICA YANKOWSKI Former New York Giant Keith Elias signs autographs for Johnny DiLeo, 8, and Brett Markowitz, 11, at Knob Hill Golf Club Aug. 28.

Keith Elias is one athlete who isn’t afraid to step up and be called a role model.

The Princeton University All-American, who enjoyed an NFL career playing with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, now does motivational speaking

"There are so many negative influences on everybody in society," said Elias. "I was blessed with super parents. I was always hearing the right things. I try and reach out to moms and dads, as well as the kids. Hopefully, I can keep them away from negatives through sports."

Elias was the guest speaker at the New Jersey Junior Golf Competition’s Year-End Championship banquet at the Knob Hill Golf Club, Manalapan, Aug. 28. In addition to speaking at the awards dinner, he signed autographs for the young golfers after they finished their rounds.

Despite the obvious lack of common ground between football and golf, Elias saw ways to encourage the youngsters through his athletic experiences. They can draw encouragement from the way Elias pursued his football dream.

"There are two staples to success that are the same no matter what your endeavor — working hard and never quitting," he said. "For me, it was important that I didn’t have any doubts, that I persevered."

That single-mindedness helped Elias consistently prove his doubters wrong. The 5-foot 10-inch running back was always told that he wasn’t big enough to play at the next level, but he didn’t let that keep him from striving for — and reaching — the highest level. His story can offer inspiration to youngsters who are slicing and hooking their way around the golf course. If they, too, put in the hard work and believe in themselves, they can achieve.

"I was good in Pop Warner, but they told my mom not to expect anything in high school," recalled Elias.

All he did in high school was lead Lacey to two state championships while earning all-state honors as a running back. But that still wasn’t enough. There were rumblings that he was good in high school but that he’d never be good in college.

Wrong again. Elias had a legendary career on the banks of Old Nassau starring for Princeton University (1991-93). He set numerous career and single season rushing records, was an All-American and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (the 1-AA equivalent of the Heisman Trophy). In 1992, Princeton’s Tigers won the Ivy League title.

Despite his college success, Elias heard all the negatives again. Yes, he was good in college, but that’s where it ends. But it didn’t. He beat the odds again, signing with the New York Giants as a free agent running back in 1994.

"I had an internal chip on my shoulder," he said. "It was me against the world."

Elias had something else working for him as he pursued his NFL goal, his faith in God.

"The most important thing in my whole life is my relationship with God," he said. "When I gave my life to him I played so well because I stopped trying to control everything. God was my pilot."

Elias’ NFL career went from 1994-99, and included three years with the Giants and two with the Indianapolis Colts. The Shore Conference legend left football on his own terms, and that is important to him. He has no regrets.

"I chose to leave the game," he said. "My body was telling me it was time. I did all Keith Elias could personally do. I got the best out of my abilities."

Elias now works as a college football color commentator for YES and cable television. It allows him to stay close to the game without being directly involved. He tried coaching in high school for a year, but he was too intense for that.

Most of his cable work is on Ivy League games, which brings back some fond memories for Elias.

"I would trade every year in the NFL for one more year at Princeton," he said. "It was the highlight of my life because of my teammates. We still stay in touch."