Meet Tino Ellis, the Former NFL Player Who’s a ‘Love Island USA’ Bombshell
What To Know
- Tino Ellis is a Love Island USA Season 8 Casa Amor bombshell.
- He’ll make his first appearance in the June 22 episode.
- He’s a former NFL player and collegiate football player.
Love Island USA Season 8’s Casa Amor is here, and with it comes a batch of new single guys. Odds are, some of them won’t remain single for long. We’re sure bombshell Tino Ellis’ NFL history will help make him a strong contender for at least one of the OG girls.
That’s right: We have a former professional athlete among the Casa Amor men! He’s one of 12 new guys to enter the fray on Monday, June 22, and we’ll have to wait and see if his competitive background helps him out in a reality dating show setting. As Casa Amor plays out, get to know Tino and his football background below.
How old is Tino Ellis?
Tino is on the older side of all the contestants at 28 years old. That makes him a year younger than the oldest cast member, Bryce Dettloff.
Where is Tino Ellis from?
These days, Tino is based in Queens, New York. He grew up in Reisterstown, Maryland, and he stuck around his home state for college. He went to the University of Maryland, where he majored in Criminal Justice. Of course, he was also a 4-year letterman football player from 2016 to 2019, serving as a starter for three of those years.
His final collegiate season was ended by an injury, according to an Instagram post from 2019. “My season didn’t end the way I scripted it,” Tino wrote. “Walking off that field for the last time in these colors hurt more than the injury. But looking back I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. Everything happens for a reason.”
What NFL team did Tino Ellis play for?
Despite his injury, Tino bounced back to enter the NFL draft in 2020, according to his Instagram. That year, he spent 11 games on the Miami Dolphins practice squad, according to the Dolphins‘ media page on him. He also spent the offseason and training camp with the New Orleans Saints. The following year, he spent one game on Miami’s practice squad and the offseason and training camp with them.
In 2022, Tino moved to the United States Football League (which is now called the UFL), spending a year playing for the Michigan Panthers. According to PFN, Tino became the team’s first NFL signee when he signed with the Dolphins in 2023. He was listed as a cornerback for the Dolphins during the 2023 season, according to ESPN. That August, Miami waived Tino from injured reserve with an injury settlement, per KPRC 2 Houston via CBS Sports.
What is Tino Ellis’ job now?
Since his football career ended, Tino appears to have pivoted to modeling. In his Instagram bio, the bombshell lists BRI’GEID Mother Agency as his management, and he’s signed to One Management in New York and Chicago. He also works with Next Management Miami. On his Instagram, he shares some of his modeling work, which includes a recent campaign with New Balance.
What is Tino Ellis’ Instagram?
Head on over to Tino’s profile, @iamtinoellis, to get some glimpses at his football and modeling career.
Love Island USA, Season 8, Every Night Except Wednesdays, 9/8c, Peacock
