Elia is one of the few Ohio State players in the modern era to start on both the offensive and defensive teams.
Before the third game of the 1972 season, Elia was claimed by The Ohio State defensive coordinator, and made into a linebacker.
Early in the 1973 season starting fullback Champ Henson was injured, and freshman backup Pete Johnson was judged unready to take over.
Tampa then traded Elia, wide receiver Willie McGee and a second-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers for quarterback Steve Spurrier.
Elia is currently a real estate broker in Fort Lee, New Jersey and resides in Cliffside Park.