Two decades later, Luther Elliss’ voice still lifts as he thinks back to that phone call to his parents.
The longtime NFL defensive tackle played nine seasons in Detroit. Made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 1999 and 2000. Anchored the interior for the Lions week after week, year after year.
For Elliss, though, not many moments from his decorated career stand the test of time like the conclusion of his March 2004 free agency.
“People ask, like, ‘What’s your biggest takeaway and what do you remember the most?’” Elliss told The Denver Post recently. “Being able to make that call to my parents and telling them that I’m going to be a Bronco.