Elbert Shelley was a professional football player who played as a defensive back. He began his career playing college football at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout player. After college, Shelley was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent two seasons with the Cowboys, primarily playing on special teams.
In 1990, Shelley was signed by the San Francisco 49ers. He played for the 49ers for three seasons, during which time he was a key contributor on special teams and also saw some playing time on defense. Shelley was part of the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XXIX in 1995.
After his time with the 49ers, Shelley played for the Carolina Panthers for one season before finishing his career with the St. Louis Rams. He retired from football in 1997.
Throughout his career, Shelley was known for his speed and athleticism. He was a reliable special teams player and also had the ability to make plays on defense when called upon. Despite not being a high draft pick or a household name, Shelley was a valuable contributor to several successful teams during his career.
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