Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University football player Elijah Fowlkes has shown resilience and leadership during his college career. A three-year starting defensive back, Fowlkes has served as one of the team captains for the 2024 season, becoming a vocal leader for the defensive backs.

"From the second I saw Elijah's film and met him in person I knew he had a great chance to be an outstanding player and leader for the Green and Gold," said WSU Defensive Backs Coach Antwon Robinson.

Fowlkes grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, raised by his mother who remains a central figure in his life. His dedication to football is driven by a desire to make her proud and provide financial support.

Motivated by his mother's support, Fowlkes lives by the mantra: "You have to be obsessed with winning to be great." He chose Wayne State because of its sense of brotherhood. "From the moment I stepped foot in the locker room, I felt like it was home," he explained.

During his collegiate career, Fowlkes made significant contributions on the field. In his freshman year, he was recognized as GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week and later received WSU's Defensive Rookie Player of the Year award.

Injuries and personal challenges marked his sophomore year. He tore a ligament in his elbow and learned that his mother was ill with cancer. Coach Robinson noted that "his mother needed his help... As good as a player that he was, he needed a break from football."

Despite these challenges, Fowlkes returned to football after taking time off. This past season, he played all 11 games at safety, recording 61 tackles among other achievements. He plans to continue playing for Wayne State next year before graduating in May 2026. His future aspirations include playing in the NFL and eventually becoming a firefighter.