Ezekiel Elliott is the running back for the Dallas Cowboys.
Elliott was drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in 2016 and has been a playmaker in the NFL since day one. To start his career, Elliott was among the elite running backs in the NFL. His ability to turn no gains and small gains into bigger positive plays is what made him one of the most dangerous running backs in the league.
Elliott averaged 1,351 yards per season in his first four years, winning two rushing titles. The veteran has since entered a new phase of his career where he likely can no longer be a bell cow running back. Elliott’s average has dipped to 952 yards over the last three seasons.
Ezekiel Elliott was a three-sport star in Ladue, Missouri at John Burroughs School. He excelled in football, track and basketball. During his junior year in 2012, Elliott was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Offensive player of the year after he rushed for 1,802 yards and scored 40 total touchdowns. In his senior season, he totaled 3,061 all-purpose yards and upped his touchdown total to 50.
On top of his football achievements, Elliott was an exceptional track runner. He was a state qualifier in both sprinting and hurdling. He won four state titles. Elliott was named the Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year for the state of Missouri.
Despite pressure to sign at his parents alma-mater, Missouri, Elliott elected to attend Ohio State. As a true freshman, Elliott ran for 262 yards on just 30 carries. In his sophomore year, Elliott became Ohio State’s number one running back. He led the Buckeyes to the first ever College Football Playoff. In the Championship Game against Oregon, Elliott ran for 246 yards and scored four touchdowns. He was named Offensive MVP of the game.
In his junior season, Elliott started off with 100+ rushing yards in his first 10 games. He rushed for 274 yards against Indiana, the second-most ever by an Ohio State player. During his junior season, Elliott announced he would be entering the 2016 NFL Draft. He finished his career second all-time in rushing yards (3,961) and fourth all-time in rushing touchdowns (43).
Entering the 2016 NFL Draft, Ezekiel Elliott was considered one of the most dynamic backs of the last decade. The Dallas Cowboys selected him with the fourth overall pick.
Elliott immediately stepped in as the Cowboys leading running back. During his rookie season, Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards, which led the entire NFL. It was also the third-most by a rookie in NFL history. Elliott finished the season with 15 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl as well as First-Team All-Pro.
In his second season, Elliott was suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. However, the suspension was put on hold following his appeal. Eventually the suspension ended up landing, but not until November. Zeke eventually served his suspension and didn’t return until Week 16. He finished the season with 983 rushing yards, 269 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.
In 2018, Elliott won the league’s rushing title for the second time. He finished the regular season with 1,434 rushing yards, 567 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. After helping the Cowboys to an NFC East title, Elliott led Dallas to a Divisional Round matchup against the Rams. However, he managed just 47 yards on 20 carries in a 30-22 loss.
In 2019, Elliott began the season holding out due to contract negotiations. Eventually, Zeke and the Cowboys agreed on a six-year extension worth $90 million. He finished the season with 1,357 rushing yards, 420 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns.
Since making the Pro Bowl in 2019, Elliott hasn’t performed to the level of the league’s best backs. Although still productive, Elliott hasn’t averaged more than 4.2 yards per carry or rushed for more than 1,002 yards in any of the last three seasons. Elliot rushed for a career-low 876 yards in 2022. Tony Pollard has actually been the Cowboys’ best running back, raising questions about Elliott’s future in Dallas.
Ezekiel Elliott signed a six-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 worth $90 million.
Zeke currently has a net worth of $48 million and is set to make an average of $15 million in salary over the next six years.
Ezekiel Elliott was born in Alton, Illinois in 1995.
Elliott’s mother was a three-time state champion and ran track at the University of Missouri. His father also played football at the University of Missouri.
Zeke has two sisters and no children.
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