American football player (1931–2012)
Jack Ellena Born: (1931-10-27 ) October 27, 1931Susanville, California , U.S.Died: March 23, 2012(2012-03-23) (aged 80)Palm Desert, California , U.S. Position(s) Guard , Nose guard , Offensive tackle College UCLA NFL draft 1953 , Round: 19, Pick: 228Drafted by Los Angeles Rams 1955–1956 Los Angeles Rams
Jack Duane Ellena (October 27, 1931 – March 23, 2012) was an American football player.
Ellena played offensive tackle for coach Red Sanders at UCLA from 1952 to 1954. He was a member of the Bruins team that lost the 1954 Rose Bowl and was named that year's FWAA & UPI national champions . That same year, Ellena was named to the College Football All-America Team and won the UPI Lineman of the Year .
In addition to playing football for the Bruins, Ellena wrestled heavyweight at UCLA. He was a two-time Pacific Coast Intercollegiate heavyweight champ (1953, 1954), and placed fourth at the 1953 NCAA wrestling championships at Penn State, earning All-American honors.
Ellena was selected in the 19th round (228th overall) of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams . He played guard and nose guard for the Rams from 1955 to 1956.[1] He was cut by the Rams in 1957 and was unable sign with any teams in the National Football League or Canadian Football League .
After his football career, Ellena ran Mountain Meadow Ranch , a summer camp located near his home town of Susanville, California . In 1987, he was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame .
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