He was drafted by the New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns, but never played professional football.
[1] At San Antonio's Alamo Heights High School he was a Texas state football all-star and track athlete.
In Texas' single-wing formation, the tailback was the main talent, field general and person who usually received the snap.
He came to Austin in 1942 as part of the Naval ROTC Training program and skipped his freshman season to focus on track.
In 1943 the Marines at Texas were all moved to Southwestern University including several key Longhorn players such as Ken Matthews.
First, back Joe Bill Baumgardner broke his ankle in fall training and Ellsworth was promoted to starting Wingback to fill the hole.
When starting tailback Ralph Hall was injured against Arkansas, Coach Dana X. Bible, then dealing with injuries to other backs such as Billy Main and Bob Rados, pulled Ellsworth up to lead the offense.
In October 1945, Ellsworth resigned from the Academy and returned to Texas, not because of a lack of playing time he said, but because of changes at the school and out of a desire to marry his fiancé.
When he started at Navy, one could graduate in 3 years, but when World War II ended the school returned to a 4-year standard.
In addition he was told that he might not get a commission due to water on his knee which didn't impact his football or track performance.
[10] In 1946, Ellsworth would again find himself playing for a national contender as the Longhorns started the season ranked #1, but two losses cost them any chance at a conference championship or bowl game.
He participated in spring drills,[13] was talked about in the media as a returning player and made the school's roster.