Nicholas Anderson (born January 27, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Tulane Green Wave.
Early life Anderson was born prematurely on January 27, 2000, and grew up in Vickburg Mississippi. He played football at Vicksburg High School and played as both a linebacker and running back. Throughout, elementary through high school Anderson maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and made nothing less than an A grade in all his courses. During his sophomore season, his mother prevented him from attending spring practices due to earning a B grade. While playing at Vicksburg he was named 2015-2016 Team Rookie of the Year, 2016-2017 1st Team All District Linebacker, and All County Defensive Player of the Year. During high school, he amassed 172 total tackles, 8 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 fumble recoveries. Anderson left high school as a two-star recruit and received offers from Alcorn State, Central Arkansas, and Prairie View A&M. Despite having these offers he instead chose to attend Jones County Junior College in an attempt to attract the attention of a Division I team.
College career While at Jones College, Anderson earned a two-star rating. He played with future Tulane teammates Duece Watts and Phat Watts. Anderson played for a season at Jones College before committing to South Alabama. However, after receiving an offer from Tulane he decommitted from South Alabama and signed with Tulane. He chose Tulane over an offers from Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, and Ole Miss.
Anderson joined Tulane in time for spring practices, and quickly showed his caliber as a potential starter. He played for four seasons at Tulane and was named a team captain. He was also selected to the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. Anderson then declared for the 2023 NFL draft, concluding his college football career. YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumblesGPSoloAstTotSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsTD2018 Jones College1258167420000000100 2019 Tulane131972611000000000 2020 Tulane125632883.50000000000 2021 Tulane1140165641000001120 2022 Tulane14625111324000002000NJCAA career1258167420000000100FBS career5017710628310.56000003120Career6217512235712.56000003220
Professional career
New Orleans Saints After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft, Anderson signed with the New Orleans Saints on April 29, 2023. On August 29, 2023, Anderson was waived as a part of final roster cuts.
Edmonton Elks On March 11, 2024, Anderson signed to play for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). During the 2024 season, Anderson recorded one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, leading the CFL in total tackles (116), tied for first for defensive tackles (111), while being named All-CFL and winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award. His 111 tackles by a rookie are the second-most by a first-year player in the history of the CFL.
On June 6, 2025, Anderson signed an extension through the 2026 season. Due to injuries, he only dressed for seven games, recording 41 defensive tackles and adding a sack.
References
External links Edmonton Elks bio Jones County Bobcats bio Tulane Green Wave bio