Best of the Packers: Top 10 defensive backs since 1960
By Phil Watson
9. Ken Ellis (1970-75)
The Green Bay Packers unearthed a gem when they selected Ken Ellis out of Southern University in the fourth round of the 1970 NFL Draft.
Ellis spent six seasons in Green Bay, his first two starting at the left cornerback spot before moving to the right side in 1972.
It was a good move. Ellis earned All-Pro honors with four interceptions that season and was a Pro Bowler in 1973 and 1974 as well.
He posted a career-high six interceptions in 1971 and had 20 picks, returning three for touchdowns, in his time in Green Bay.
But he was also a standout in the return game, leading the NFL with a 15.4 yard average on punt returns in 1972 and averaging 22.3 yards per kickoff return as a Packer.
Ellis was traded in April 1976 along with quarterback John Hadl, a fourth-round pick in 1976 and a third-rounder in 1977 to the Houston Oilers in exchange for quarterback Lynn Dickey.
Ellis would play three more seasons, also spending time with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams before he was waived prior to the 1980 season.
He was also briefly with the New England Patriots, signing with them before the 1978 campaign. But he was released in the preseason and sat out the year.
Inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1998, Ellis is now a pastor in Louisiana. His three career interception returns for touchdowns is tied for sixth all-time for the Packers.
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