[4][5] In the 1998 season, he was part of the undefeated Volunteers team that won the National Championship over Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona.

In his rookie season, he recorded 8.5 sacks, 67 total tackles (50 solo), one interception, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.

[19] Ellis followed up his 2003 season with 11 sacks, 57 total tackles (39 solo), four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

[21] Ellis anchored a strong Jets run defense which contributed to a 10–6 season and a Wild Card berth.

[25][26] In the 2007 season, Ellis had five sacks, 49 total tackles (33 solo), and one forced fumble in 16 games and starts.

[27] In Week 15 of the 2008 season, in a home game against their AFC East divisional rival Buffalo Bills, Ellis recovered a fumble from quarterback J. P. Losman and ran it for a touchdown in the final two minutes, giving the Jets the lead and the eventual 31–27 win.

[28] On December 23, Ellis was fined $10,000 for tossing snow at opposing fans when the Jets played the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field the previous Sunday.

[34] He was a replacement for Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis, who was playing in the Super Bowl.

[35] In the 2010 season, Ellis finished with 4.5 sacks, 36 total tackles, one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 15 games and starts.