Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott Bio

Ezekiel Elijah Elliott, nicknamed “Zeke”, is an American professional football running back who has established himself as one of the most productive rushers in the National Football League. Born on July 22, 1995, in Alton, Illinois, Elliott played college football at Ohio State University before being selected fourth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his career spanning from 2016 to present, Elliott has earned three Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro honors, and led the NFL in rushing yards twice. His journey from a high school track champion in Missouri to becoming one of the league’s premier running backs showcases his exceptional athleticism and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and Background

Ezekiel Elliott was born in Alton, Illinois, to parents who were both collegiate athletes. His mother, Dawn Huff, was a high school state champion in three sports at University of Missouri and a track athlete. His father, Stacy Elliott, played football as a linebacker for the Missouri football team. Elliott’s maternal grandfather played basketball for Drake University, and his uncle, Shawn Huff, is a Finnish professional basketball player.

Despite his family’s connections to the University of Missouri, Elliott attended John Burroughs School in Ladue, Missouri, an academically focused institution. At John Burroughs, he was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track and field while also playing baseball. As a junior in 2012, he rushed for 1,802 yards and 34 touchdowns with 23 receptions for 401 yards and six scores, earning St. Louis Post-Dispatch offensive player of the year honors. In his senior year, Elliott accumulated 3,061 all-purpose yards and 50 total touchdowns, including 2,155 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns.

Elliott was also an exceptional track athlete, winning four state championships at the Missouri Class 3 state championships in 2013 in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 110-meter high hurdles, and 300-meter hurdles. He recorded career-best times of 10.95 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 22.05 seconds in the 200-meter dash, 13.77 seconds in the 110m hurdles, and 37.52 seconds in the 300m hurdles. He was named Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year in Missouri and was considered a four-star recruit, listed as the No. 9 running back in the nation.

Path to American Football

Despite overwhelming pressure to sign with his parents’ alma mater, the University of Missouri, Elliott chose to attend Ohio State University. He arrived as a true freshman in 2013 and served primarily as a backup to Carlos Hyde, rushing for 262 yards on 30 carries with two touchdowns while mostly playing on special teams as a gunner.

With Hyde’s departure to the NFL after the 2013 season, Elliott took over as the starter for the Buckeyes in 2014. He made an immediate impact, rushing for over 100 yards six times during the season. In the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin, he rushed for 220 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. Elliott then delivered a standout performance in the College Football Playoff, rushing for 230 yards against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and 246 yards against Oregon in the National Championship Game, earning Offensive MVP honors in both games.

The 2015 season saw Elliott reach even greater heights. He began the year by rushing for over 100 yards in 10 straight wins, including 274 yards against Indiana, the second most all-time by an Ohio State player. He finished his collegiate career with 3,961 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns, ranking second in career rushing yards and yards per game at Ohio State behind only Archie Griffin. He was named Big Ten Most Valuable Player, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and Big Ten Running Back of the Year in 2015 while earning second-team All-American honors.

Ezekiel Elliott Career

Dallas Cowboys Breakthrough (2016–2018)

Ezekiel Elliott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, becoming the first running back selected that year. He signed a four-year rookie contract reportedly worth $24.9 million with a $16.3 million signing bonus. Elliott was named the Cowboys’ starting running back to begin the season and quickly justified the investment.

During his rookie season, Elliott led the NFL with 1,631 rushing yards, the third most by a rookie in NFL history at that time. He scored 15 touchdowns and became the youngest player to reach 1,600 rushing yards. Elliott posted six consecutive 100-yard games and surpassed Tony Dorsett’s Cowboys rookie rushing record during the season. His performance earned him First-team All-Pro honors, his first Pro Bowl selection, PFWA NFL Rookie of the Year, and PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. He was ranked seventh in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017, the highest-ranked running back.

The 2017 season was interrupted by a six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Despite the distraction, Elliott returned and continued to produce, finishing with 983 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. He rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers in his return game.

Elliott bouncing back strongly in 2018, leading the NFL in rushing yards for the second time in three seasons with 1,434 yards and adding six rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection and was ranked 18th in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019. He helped the Cowboys win the NFC East with a 10-6 record, contributing 137 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card victory over Seattle.

Dallas Cowboys Era (2019–2022)

In September 2019, Elliott signed a six-year extension with the Cowboys worth $90 million, with $50 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. He responded with his best statistical season, rushing for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 420 receiving yards and two touchdowns, earning his third Pro Bowl selection.

The 2020 and 2021 seasons saw Elliott continue as the Cowboys’ primary running back despite dealing with injuries. In 2020, he rushed for 979 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. The 2021 season saw him rush for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing through a partially torn PCL suffered in Week 4. He finished the 2022 season with 876 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games before being released by the Cowboys on March 15, 2023.

New England Patriots (2023)

Ezekiel Elliott signed with the New England Patriots on August 16, 2023, on a one-year contract worth $3 million. Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien stated that Elliott would be used primarily in third-down and red zone situations behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. He finished the 2023 season with 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns along with 51 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games and five starts.

Dallas Cowboys Return (2024)

Elliott returned to the Cowboys on April 30, 2024, signing a one-year contract worth $2 million. In the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, he rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown with two receptions for nine yards in the 33-17 victory. On December 31, 2024, Elliott and the Cowboys mutually agreed to part ways after he requested his release to pursue an opportunity with a playoff-bound team. He finished the 2024 season with 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 15 games.

Los Angeles Chargers (2025)

On January 6, 2025, Elliott signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad, joining a new organization for the 2025 season. His contract expired on January 20, but Elliott continues his professional career with the Chargers, bringing his experience and veteran leadership to the running back room.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ezekiel Elliott is known for his powerful running style, combining size and athleticism to excel between the tackles. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 225 pounds, he possesses the frame to handle heavy workloads while maintaining the agility to make defenders miss. Elliott’s vision and patience allow him to find running lanes, and his contact balance helps him break tackles. He is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, contributing significantly in the passing game throughout his career.

Notable Events and Milestones

Elliott’s career has been marked by several memorable moments. His touchdown celebration in an oversized Salvation Army Red Kettle during a 2016 Thanksgiving game became iconic. He became the fastest player in Cowboys history to reach 25 rushing touchdowns, doing so in three games fewer than Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Elliott is one of only two Ohio State players with five 200-yard rushing games and holds the second-longest streak of consecutive 100-yard rushing games in Buckeyes history.

Ezekiel Elliott Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Ezekiel Elliott has established himself among the league’s elite running backs with consistent production across multiple seasons. His career totals reflect his durability and ability to contribute both as a rusher and receiver.

NFL Career Highlights

Elliott has accumulated 9,130 rushing yards on 2,119 carries with a 4.3 yards-per-carry average and 74 rushing touchdowns over his career through the 2024 season. He has also contributed as a receiver with 368 receptions for 2,718 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. His best season came in 2016 when he led the league with 1,631 rushing yards, and he repeated as the rushing champion in 2018 with 1,434 yards. Elliott has been named a three-time Pro Bowler and earned First-team All-Pro honors in 2016 and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2018.

College Career Statistics

At Ohio State, Elliott finished with 3,961 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns across three seasons. His 3.96 yards per carry average and 22 games with at least 100 rushing yards highlight his consistency at the collegiate level. His 246-yard performance in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game remains one of the best rushing performances in playoff history.

Ezekiel Elliott Family

Family Background

Ezekiel Elliott comes from a distinguished athletic family with deep roots in collegiate sports. His mother, Dawn Huff, was a three-sport state champion in high school before attending the University of Missouri, where she competed in track. His father, Stacy Elliott, played linebacker for the Missouri football team and later became CEO of Fifth Down Enterprises. Elliott’s maternal grandfather played basketball for Drake University, and his uncle, Shawn Huff, is a professional basketball player in Finland.

Personal Life

Elliott has maintained a close relationship with his parents, purchasing them a new house after signing his rookie contracts. He studied marketing at Ohio State University. In August 2020, he became a shareholder of OnCore Golf Technology, Inc., a golf ball manufacturer based in Buffalo, New York. Elliott resides in Texas and was cited by police in May 2021 after one of his dogs bit and injured two people in his Frisco neighborhood.

2025 Season Outlook

Ezekiel Elliott enters the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers following his January 2025 practice squad signing. At 29 years old, Elliott brings veteran experience and leadership to a Chargers running back room that features emerging talent. His role with the team is expected to include red zone and short-yardage situations where his power and experience provide value. Elliott’s professional career continues as he adapts to a new organization while maintaining his reputation as a reliable two-way running back capable of contributing in multiple facets of the offense.