Abe Elam plays Safety for the Cleveland Browns.

Abe was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 16, 2005 but was later waived. Abe signed with the Dallas Cowboys on February 2, 2006, but was again waived.

Abe finally emerged as Big Play Abe, as he is known in the NFL, after signing with the New York Jets on September 12, 2007 as a free agent. In week 9 of the 2008 season, Abe intercepted a pass from Trent Edwards in the red-zone and returned it for a 92-yard interception-return touchdown. In week 15, he struck again against the Bills by forcing a fumble by J.P. Losman, which led to a Shaun Ellis touchdown recovery with 1:54 left in the game and gave the Jets a 31-27 victory.

The Cleveland Browns tried to sign "Big Play Abe" away from the Jets during the offseason, but the Jets matched the Browns’ offer sheet on March 17, 2009 to keep Abe with the Jets for the 2009 season. Later on April 25, 2009, the Cleveland Browns acquired Abe as part of a draft day deal that sent the Cleveland Browns’ 5th overall selection to the Jets, which was used by the Jets to draft quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Abe played college football at Notre Dame and Kent State.