In 2005, Mr. Ellison founded the Youth Impact Program for disadvantaged and at-risk adolescent boys in our nation's inner-cities. The Youth Impact Program is in several of our nation's major cities and universities. The Youth Impact program has been recognized twice by the United States Congress in Senate and House Congressional Resolutions for its overall achievements, innovation and impact. In early 2011, the Youth Impact program partnered with President Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Ellison played professional football as a starting middle linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders, winning three Super Bowl championships. Mr. Ellison played college football at the University of Southern California, winning a National Championship and two Rose Bowls. Mr. Ellison earned a degree in international relations with a graduate emphasis on defense and strategic studies from the University of Southern California in 1983.