Greg Ellis.
NFL Legend · Dallas Cowboys Assistant Defensive Line Coach · Founder, Getting My Help
Mr. Ellis is a devout Christian and family man who prioritises making a positive impact in the lives of others. The three principles he implements daily — Rules, Tools, Preparation (RTP) — are the same characteristics he believes are vital to a successful, holistic life.
Founder card
RTP — daily principles
Rules. Tools. Preparation.
Three words that have shaped Greg’s career — on the field, in the studio, and in life.
Rules
Live by clear principles. The structure protects what matters most — family, faith, and purpose.
Tools
Use the right tools for the job. Whether on the field or in the studio, preparation lives in your kit.
Preparation
Success isn't an accident. Preparation is the daily work that makes the moment possible.
Background
From Wendell, North Carolina to All-American.
A native of Wendell, North Carolina, Mr. Ellis displayed his athleticism early on as an outstanding football and basketball player. The Raleigh News and Observer voted him Male High School Athlete of the Year.
Greg received an athletic scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award. He was selected for three straight seasons to the All-ACC and recognised as UNC’s all-time sack leader.
He continued to excel on and off the field, and providentially received his degree in Communications.
Faith & family
Married to his high school sweetheart, Greg is blessed to be a father of three and a man of deep faith.
- WifeTangie Ellis
- ChildrenTyann · Geremiah · Taliah
- HometownWendell, NC
- FaithDevout Christian
Career highlights
- 1998First-round NFL Draft pick
- 1998–200811 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys
- 20091 season with the Oakland Raiders
- 2007Pro Bowl selection
- 2007Defensive Comeback Player of the Year
Professional football career
Twelve seasons in the NFL, and a Pro Bowl moment.
During the 1998 NFL draft, Mr. Ellis was a first-round draft pick. He went on to a successful 12-year NFL career — eleven with the Dallas Cowboys and one with the Oakland Raiders.
Greg’s outstanding achievements garnered him a spot in the 2007 Pro Bowl, where he was awarded Defensive Comeback Player of the Year. He knows he is blessed beyond measure to walk away from the football field to the field of The Arts.
Greg later returned to the Cowboys as their Assistant Defensive Line Coach, after head-coaching stints at Texas College and SAGU.
Entrepreneurship · the arts
The ultimate Hail Mary.
As his football career came to a completion, Greg huddled his passions of the arts and his love for the community — and founded Play Now Enterprise, a multimedia company producing TV shows, feature films, and stage plays.
Carter High
National theatrical release
Starring Charles Dutton, Vivica A. Fox, David Banner, Reginald Hayes, and Pooch Hall. Available on Walmart, Redbox, Netflix, and BET.
Watch Night
Original production
The life of a slave and his master's family leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation — answering why churches hold Watch Night services.
Juneteenth — The Stage Play
Toured several cities
Sheds light on the true origins of Juneteenth — entertaining, educational, and an experience for audiences across the country.
“My Dear” — a mental health film.
Greg’s current and most personal project — a feature film about mental health that brings the foundation’s message to the screen. Every contribution to Pay It Forwardhelps make “My Dear” a beacon of hope and understanding.
Founder of Getting My Help
Leading Mental Wellness Walks and a global movement.
Greg has been leading several Mental Wellness Walks aimed at raising awareness and fostering community support for mental health challenges. These walks provide a platform for individuals to share their stories and support one another — reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact in this crucial area.