Temple University Athletics
Elliot Seifert Signs with Cincinnati Bengals
5.2.07 | Football
May 2, 2007
PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Cincinnati Bengals today announced that they have signed Owls' offensive tackle Elliot Seifert to a rookie, free-agent contract. Temple University's 2006-07 Male Student-Athlete of the Year, Seifert was a four-year letterwinner who started all 34 games in which he played for the Cherry & White.
"It's a great opportunity," said Seifert, who leaves for his first mini-camp tomorrow. "I'm going to give my absolute best to earn a spot. I felt a little low after the Draft, but I went straight through the roof when I received that phone call (offering a contract). I can't wait to get started."
Seifert, who capped his collegiate career by playing in the inaugural Texas Versus the Nation Senior All-Star Game, competed as a graduate student this past season while working towards a master's degree in biology. He was a semifinalist for the prestigious Draddy Trophy - which recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
After the 2006 season, a multitude of honors were bestowed upon the Reading, Pa. native. He received the Top Hog Award as the Owls' best offensive lineman, the Dr. Athole Jacobi Award for outstanding community service and one of three Captains' Awards. A two-time (2003-04) Big East All-Academic selection, he was also named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Football Team.
Prior to his senior campaign, Seifert was placed on the watch list for the Rotary Lombardi Award and was cited as preseason All-Independent by both Phil Steele's College Football Preview and CollegeFootballNews.com. He was also honored as the team's scholar-athlete award winner by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame
An Eagle Scout and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Seifert was a very active participant in the team's Owl Outreach program dedicated to community service. He earned an undergraduate degree in biology in May, 2006 and plans to become a marine biologist and focus on the study of Ichthyology once his playing career comes to a close. Prior to his senior season, he spent a week in Ambergis Caye, Belize, to conduct infield research for a tropical marine biology class.
Seifert (6-7, 300) is one of seven former Owls currently listed on National Football League rosters. He joins Raheem Brock (DT, Indianapolis), Antwon Burton (DT, Denver), Dan Klecko (DL, Indianapolis), Mike McGann (QB, Indianapolis), Jason McKie (FB, Chicago) and Rian Wallace (LB, Pittsburgh). NFL veterans Lance Johnstone (DE) and Alshermond Singleton (LB) are presently free agents, after having played for Oakland and Dallas, respectively, last season.
Seifert has the opportunity to become the third Owl to play for the Bengals, joining linebacker Santo Stephens (1994) and defensive end Tim Terry (1997-99).
