Elbert Vernell Shelley (born December 24, 1964) is an American former professional football player who was a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Falcons in the 11th round of the 1987 NFL draft. He went to the Pro Bowl four times as a special teams player. Shelley's hometown is Trumann, Arkansas. He was an honor student as well as a star running-back for the football team. In college Shelley was switched from running back to safety by Coach Larry Lacewell. He now lives in Georgia. He works as an officer and is a security guard at Sonoraville high school in Calhoun, Georgia.