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Legends of Trading: Ellis Hobbs

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Reviewed by Jack Kellogg Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs
Updated 12/11/2024 10 min read

Ellis Hobbs is a momentum trader, trading teacher, and former NFL star who exemplifies resilience and a disciplined approach to life and trading. Known for his record-setting 108-yard kick return and a Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots, Ellis transitioned to the stock market after a career-ending neck injury in 2010. With lifetime trading earnings exceeding $460,000, Ellis now shares his strategies and lessons as a mentor in my Trading Challenge. His journey from professional sports to the financial markets is a story of adaptability, perseverance — and success.

Read this article because it explores Ellis Hobbs’ journey from NFL cornerback to successful trader, offering insights into his strategies and mindset.

I’ll answer the following questions:

  • How did Ellis Hobbs transition from professional football to trading?
  • What trading strategies does Ellis Hobbs use?
  • How does Ellis Hobbs manage risk in his trading endeavors?
  • What lessons from his NFL career does Ellis Hobbs apply to trading?
  • How has Ellis Hobbs’ trading performance evolved over time?
  • What advice does Ellis Hobbs offer to trading beginners?
  • How does Ellis Hobbs balance his post-NFL career with trading activities?

Let’s get to the content!

Who Is Ellis Hobbs?

Ellis Hobbs is a name that resonates with NFL fans and traders alike. During his football career, he was known for his exceptional athleticism, playing cornerback for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. His achievements include the longest kick return in NFL history up to that point — a 108-yard touchdown — and playing in Super Bowl XLII. These moments cemented his legacy on the field, but his football career was cut short by a neck injury in 2010.

Here’s the video of his touchdown return — it’s breathtaking.

Ellis quickly turned the page, bringing the same determination and focus that made him a standout athlete to his new endeavor: trading. Joining my Trading Challenge, he embraced the opportunity to learn momentum trading, mastering the techniques and strategies needed to day trade effectively. Today, Ellis uses his experiences as a person and one of the brainiest ex-NFL players out there to inspire and educate other traders, proving that setbacks can become opportunities for reinvention.

Is Ellis Hobbs Legit or a Scam?

Ellis Hobbs is a legitimate investor and trader with a transparent track record that includes $460,000 in lifetime trading earnings. His success stems from disciplined momentum trading strategies, and his willingness to share both his wins and losses sets him apart. Ellis’s openness about a $14,000 loss on Xunlei Ltd. (NASDAQ: XNET), caused by deviating from his usual approach, demonstrates his commitment to teaching others about the risks and realities of trading.

Check out the Business Insider article where he talks about his profits — and this one unforgettable loss.

Beyond trading, Ellis’s credibility is reinforced by his contributions to the Timothy Sykes blog and the StocksToTrade blog, where he shares valuable insights and advice. He’s part of the Trading Challenge family, offering guidance on strategies, risk management, and the mindset required to succeed in the stock market. He’s an honest broker in a shady world.

What Trading Strategy Is Ellis Hobbs Famous For?

Ellis Hobbs is known for his momentum trading strategy, which focuses on multi-day runners with abnormal volume. He looks for stocks that gain at least 20% in a single day, analyzing whether their momentum can sustain for two or three days. During the first two days, Ellis often trades long, capitalizing on upward trends. By the third day, he typically transitions to shorting, identifying resistance levels where the stock is likely to reverse.

Volume plays a critical role in Ellis’s strategy. He identifies stocks with trading volume significantly higher than their historical averages, as this signals increased attention and trading activity. He also pays attention to resistance lines, particularly around whole or half numbers, which often act as psychological barriers. This varied analysis helps Ellis make calculated trades while managing risk effectively.

He doesn’t care much about the fundamentals, sales, or image of an equity — the only information he cares about are the signs that tell him to buy or sell. He isn’t an investor, at least not in this life. He’s just looking for the results that will take him closer on the path to $1 million.

Here are some of his best trading moves!

Momentum Trading in Action

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Ellis applies his strategy to small-cap stocks, often under $20, where resistance levels are more predictable. For example, he once identified a stock that had been a multi-day runner, with its momentum fueled by abnormal volume spikes. Using his knowledge of resistance lines, Ellis timed his entries and exits to maximize profits.

His $14,000 loss on XNET serves as a reminder of the importance of sticking to the plan. During this trade, Ellis acted impulsively, shorting the stock without having enough data. This experience reinforced his commitment to preparation and process, both of which are critical to his trading success.

How Did Ellis Hobbs Get Started?

Ellis Hobbs’s journey into trading began after his NFL career was cut short by injury. Seeking a way to channel his competitive drive and strategic mindset, he turned to the stock market. Ellis joined my Trading Challenge, immersing himself in the study of momentum trading. He spent countless hours analyzing charts, reviewing patterns, and practicing setups, building the foundation for his success.

Ellis approached trading like a business, creating detailed trade plans and focusing on risk management. His commitment to process over profits allowed him to grow his account steadily, turning small wins into larger gains. Over time, he developed a disciplined momentum strategy that has become his trademark.

Ellis’s disciplined mindset from his NFL career laid a strong foundation for his success as a momentum trader. Similarly, Jeff Zananiri transitioned his professional experience into a unique approach to options trading. With decades on Wall Street, Jeff developed advanced strategies like his AI-powered GAMMA CODE system, offering an analytical edge to his students.

What Are the Early Trading Successes of Ellis Hobbs?

Ellis Hobbs’s early trading successes were the result of his disciplined approach and focus on high-probability setups. By targeting small-cap stocks with abnormal volume spikes, he increased his gains and boosted his confidence. He now advocates for that same attention to process for his students — reminding them that it isn’t all about the money, and there’s always next season.

Ellis’s commitment to preparation and calculated decision-making mirrors how other traders have achieved success. For instance, Bryce Tuohey began his trading journey modestly, refining strategies for buying consolidations and trend breaks. His persistence and focus on risk/reward principles have helped him reach over $1 million in trading profits while mentoring others in the Small Cap Rockets community.

Which Stock Picks Are on Ellis Hobbs’ Watchlist?

Ellis Hobbs’s watchlist focuses on stocks with significant momentum and high volatility. He targets multi-day runners, especially small-cap stocks trading under $20, where resistance levels often act as psychological barriers. By monitoring volume trends and technical setups, Ellis identifies opportunities that align with his momentum trading strategy.

As for what’s on his watchlist right now? You’ll have to sign up for my Trading Challenge, and hit Ellis up in the comments!

What Is Ellis Hobbs’ Net Worth?

Ellis Hobbs’s net worth reflects a combination of his lifetime trading earnings, $460,000, entrepreneurial ventures, and income from his NFL career. During his time in the league, Ellis earned an estimated $5.554 million from contracts with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. These earnings, combined with his trading success, highlight his ability to excel in multiple fields.

Ellis’s financial achievements underscore the importance of adaptability and leveraging skills across different careers. His journey is a testament to the value of hard work and disciplined decision-making, both on the field and in the stock market.

Trading isn’t rocket science. It’s a skill you build and work on like any other.

I’ve built my Trading Challenge to pass on the things I had to learn for myself. It’s the kind of community that I wish I had when I was starting out.

We don’t accept everyone. If you’re up for the challenge — I want to hear from you.

Apply to the Trading Challenge here.

Trading is a battlefield. The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you’ll be.

Who is your favorite trader? Write “I’ll put in the work” in the comments if you understand how Ellis got to where he is!

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FAQs About Ellis Hobbs

How Old is Ellis Hobbs?

Ellis Hobbs is in his late 30s, transitioning to trading after his NFL career ended in 2010. His ability to adapt and succeed in a new field demonstrates the value of resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

Does Ellis Hobbs Have a Blog or Website?

Ellis Hobbs contributes to the Timothy Sykes blog and the StocksToTrade blog, where he shares articles on trading strategies, risk management, and lessons from his journey. His content is a valuable resource for traders looking to learn from his experiences.

Does Ellis Hobbs Have a TikTok, YouTube, or IG Account?

Ellis Hobbs is active on social media, with an X/Twitter account at @ellishobbs and an Instagram account at @ellis_hobbs_3. He uses these platforms to connect with the trading community and share insights into his strategies.

Does Ellis Hobbs Offer a Course?

Ellis Hobbs is a mentor in my Trading Challenge, where he teaches momentum trading strategies and the importance of disciplined execution. His mentorship focuses on helping students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the stock market. Joining the Trading Challenge provides direct access to his expertise and guidance.


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* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”