In 1973, Ellenbogen signed with the
Kansas City Chiefs. During the 1973 preseason, the Chiefs used Ellenbogen as an offensive lineman. He was waived by the Chiefs in early September 1973, prior to the start of the regular season. After being waived by the Chiefs, he played semi-professionally for the
Albany Metro Mallers of the
Seaboard Football League as a defensive lineman, receiving $25 per game. Ellenbogen was signed by the
Houston Oilers in 1974. He also was selected by the
Philadelphia Bell of the
World Football League (WFL). He requested a release from the Oilers to join the Bell and played with them that season. He spent time with the
Washington Redskins in 1975 but did not make the final roster, later returning to the WFL to play with the
Shreveport Steamer before the league folded. Ellenbogen played on the offensive line for the
New York Giants during the
1976 and
1977 seasons when the clubs compiled records of 3–11 and 5–9. He appeared in 23 games for the Giants, two of them as a starter. Ellenbogen was cut by the Giants prior to the 1978 season and signed with the
Toronto Argonauts of the
Canadian Football League. As his playing career came to an end,
The Buffalo News in November 1978 summarized his career as follows: "Pro football has been a bumpy road for Ellenbogen. He was never drafted and did not receive a cent of bonus money with his initial contract. A football nomad, he has played for eight teams in three leagues." He played three games for the Blue Bombers in the 1979 season. He also attempted a comeback with the
Atlanta Falcons in 1980, but he was cut by the club in mid-August. ==Later years==