BenJarvus Green-Ellis

An undrafted rookie who became the first Patriot running back since 2004 to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards, all without recording a single fumble for New England.

BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis, known affectionately as "the Law Firm," was an American former professional football player who served as a running back for the New England Patriots from 2008 to 2011. Born in New Orleans and a standout at St. Augustine High School before transferring from Indiana to Ole Miss, Green-Ellis entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed on May 1, 2008. He quickly carved out a niche within the Patriots' offense, becoming the first running back since Corey Dillon in 2004 to rush for over 1,000 yards with New England during the 2010 season. His tenure was defined by remarkable reliability; he never fumbled while wearing a Patriots uniform, maintaining that streak until his move to Cincinnati.

Quick Facts

Position: Running back
Born: 2 July 1985
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
High school: St. Augustine (New Orleans)
College: Indiana (2003–2004), Ole Miss (2005–2007)
Former teams: New England Patriots (2008–2011); Cincinnati Bengals (2012–2013)

Lore & Background

The nickname "the Law Firm" was bestowed upon Green-Ellis by his teammates due to his segmented name. The moniker gained national attention during the November 2, 2008, Sunday Night Football broadcast when Al Michaels and John Madden noted that his Patriots teammates had adopted the nickname on account of his multi-part name. This branding coincided with a period of immense reliability; Green-Ellis established an impressive streak of 589 touches without a fumble while in New England. His presence on the field was so consistent that he became a staple of the offense, particularly after Laurence Maroney was placed on injured reserve in October 2008, allowing Green-Ellis to secure his first NFL start against the Denver Broncos.

Reader's Guide

Fans of BenJarvus Green-Ellis should look to his 2010 season as the prime example of his value. He started strong in Week 3 against Buffalo with 98 yards, followed by a 76-yard performance in Miami, and a two-touchdown showing against Minnesota. His reliability was unmatched; he scored touchdowns in every game he started during his rookie campaign through November 2008. In the 2011 season, he split time with Danny Woodhead but still contributed significantly, rushing for 136 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets in Week 5. His career in New England culminated in Super Bowl XLVI, where he started and recorded ten carries for 44 yards and two receptions for 15 yards, though the Patriots fell to the Giants 21–17. Throughout his time with the team, he never fumbled, a feat that ended only after he signed with Cincinnati on March 21, 2012.

Did You Know?

Green-Ellis was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2008, after being waived and re-signed to the practice squad later that August.
He is only the second running back in Ole Miss history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (2006 and 2007).
His first NFL touchdown came on a 1-yard run against the Denver Broncos on October 20, 2008, entering the end zone untouched.
Green-Ellis recorded his first career fumble on September 23, 2012, ending a streak of 589 touches without a turnover with the Patriots.