In the world of football, certain moments resonate far beyond the final score, and for the New York Giants, one such moment was the unforgettable play by defensive tackle Elijah Chatman. Known around the team as “That Chase Play,” this unforgettable moment exemplifies Chatman’s relentless drive and remarkable athleticism. Despite being an undrafted rookie free agent, Chatman has captured the attention of fans and coaches alike with his exceptional performance and determination.
On a recent game day, Chatman, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 285 pounds, made headlines by chasing down a Houston Texans running back who stood 5-foot-6 and weighed 185 pounds. The running back, seemingly out of reach, was sprinting down the sideline at 16.28 mph when Chatman, with extraordinary speed and perseverance, caught up and brought him down. This display of effort and athleticism was not just impressive but a testament to Chatman’s unyielding spirit.
Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown noted that Chatman’s performance during this play reflected the same relentless attitude he exhibited during rookie minicamp. “That chase play that you saw? You saw that effort and relentless attitude here during rookie minicamp. It stood out,” Brown said, underscoring how Chatman’s commitment to his craft was evident from the beginning.
Chatman’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. His high school career at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, was marked by impressive feats, including rushing for 1,600 yards. His athletic prowess continued into college, where he ran a 4.81 40-yard dash at his SMU Pro Day. Despite these accomplishments, Chatman went undrafted, but his tenacity and determination earned him a spot with the Giants.
Chatman’s remarkable speed and athleticism are not new. He attributes his capabilities to a lifetime of hard work and a family background steeped in blue-collar values. His parents, Geralene and Anthony Chatman, instilled in him the importance of diligence and resilience. His mother, who owns a cleaning company, was involved in construction work while pregnant with him, and his father worked as a lumberjack. “I’ve always seen my parents work hard. My mom with calluses on her hands and my dad climbing trees and cutting branches. I felt I owed it to them to work just as hard,” Chatman said.
Despite his height being a perceived disadvantage in a league dominated by towering figures, Chatman views it differently. Standing at 5-foot-11, he’s aware that he’s shorter than many of his peers but refuses to let it define him. “I don’t see myself as short, even though I am short compared to the average defensive lineman. I just go out there and give it my all,” he stated. This mindset aligns with his philosophy of using his perceived disadvantages as advantages, drawing inspiration from former Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was also shorter than most of his peers.
Chatman has become a project of sorts for revered defensive line coach Andre Patterson, who sees immense potential in the young tackle. “When he strikes a bag, you almost feel the air compress out of the bag. It sounds different,” Patterson noted. Chatman’s explosive power and quickness off the ball have made him a standout, despite his shorter stature.
However, Chatman remains grounded and focused on his ultimate goal: making the NFL and securing a spot on the Giants’ roster. He’s well aware that his journey is far from over and that he must continually prove himself. “It’s not done until it’s done,” Chatman said. “If I’m gonna make the team, I am. If they want me, then they want me.”
Chatman’s perseverance and dedication reflect a broader narrative of overcoming obstacles and defying expectations. His story is one of relentless pursuit of a dream and the power of hard work and determination. As he continues to chase his NFL dreams, the Giants and their fans are cheering him on, hoping that this underdog will make a significant impact on the field.
