Chelen Garnes


Chelen Garnes is an American professional football defensive back for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. Garnes previously played college football for the Navy Midshipmen and the Wake Forest [Demon Deacons football|Wake Forest Demon Deacons]. He also had a stint in the National Football League with the Detroit Lions.

College career

Garnes played college football for the Navy Midshipmen in 2019 and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons from 2020 to 2023. He played in every game of the season for Navy and recorded a career-high six tackles, along with his first collegiate sack, in a win against Tulsa [Golden Hurricane football|Tulsa].
Garnes entered the transfer portal after his freshman year, and committed to Wake Forest. He played in 33 games for the Demon Deacons logging 145 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, 10 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries. In his final year, he had a season-high nine tackles, including one for a loss, one sack and fumble recovery against NC State.

Professional career

Detroit Lions

After not being selected in the 2024 [NFL draft], Garnes signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. He was waived from the team on August 27.

Edmonton Elks

Garnes signed with the Edmonton Elks on March 7, 2025. He made his CFL debut on June 8 against the BC Lions but didn't record any statistics. Garnes recorded his first tackle on June 20, against the Montreal Alouettes.