Ezekiel Elliott |
Ezekiel Elliott is a professional football player who has taken the NFL by storm. After a decorated college career at Ohio State, he was drafted fourth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Since then, he has not only become one of the most prolific running backs in the league but also an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Elliott’s journey to the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite being born in St. Louis, Missouri, his family moved to the small town of Alton, Illinois where he attended John Burroughs High School. It was there that Elliott first demonstrated his raw athletic ability, playing for the football, basketball, and track teams. He was also a standout student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA.
In his senior year, Elliott was ranked as the second-best running back recruit in the nation by Scout. He eventually chose to attend Ohio State as part of their highly acclaimed football program. He quickly made a name for himself, finishing his freshman year with a then-school record of 1,878 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Elliott continued to be an integral part of the Ohio State team for the rest of his college career. Over the next three years, he would go on to win several awards, including the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award which recognizes the best running back in college football. He was also a two-time consensus All-American and had his number 15 jersey retired by Ohio State.
It was no surprise when Elliott declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. Scouts and analysts were confident that he could become one of the best running backs in the league. Ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys selected Elliott with
the fourth overall pick. The rest, as they say, is history.
Early Life
Ezekiel Elliott was born in Alton, Illinois on July 22nd, 1995. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Elliott had a strong love for sports from a young age. He began playing football at the age of nine and excelled quickly, earning MVP awards in both the Pee-Wee and Junior Pro leagues. Elliott also played basketball and ran track in high school, displaying his athleticism and passion for sports.
Elliott’s father, Stacy, was a former player for the Missouri Tigers. Elliott’s family was incredibly supportive of his athletic endeavors, and they encouraged him to pursue his dream of playing college football. As Elliott’s talent progressed, he was named a four-star recruit and drew the attention of over 20 college football programs.
Ezekiel Elliott |
In 2014, Elliott continued to shine for the Buckeyes. He rushed for 1,821 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to the first College Football Playoff. Elliott also had his best game of the season against the Alabama Crimson Tide, rushing for 230 yards on 28 carries and scoring two touchdowns. He was a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ National Championship win, and he was named the Offensive MVP.
The next year, Elliott once again posted impressive numbers and led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff. He finished the season with 1,845 yards and 23 touchdowns, making him the fifth player in NCAA history to rush for at least 1,800 yards in three consecutive seasons. In his time at Ohio State, Elliott set 25 school records, earned First-Team All-American honors, and was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Elliott’s incredible college career made him a hot commodity in the NFL draft. His impressive performances on the field and dedication as a leader made him the ideal candidate for any team. With their fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott to be the cornerstone of their franchise.
Ohio State
When Ezekiel Elliott stepped onto the Ohio State campus to join the football team, he was already considered a top prospect. He had been an All-State selection in high school and was well-respected amongst his peers. At Ohio State, he joined a team that boasted a strong roster and was often considered a championship contender.
Ezekiel’s impact on the Ohio State team was immediate. In his freshman year, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He continued to thrive in his sophomore season and was a huge part of the Buckeyes’ success that year. He rushed for 1,878 yards and scored 18 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in both categories. He also broke the Ohio State single-game rushing record, with an impressive 274 yards against Indiana.
Ezekiel’s junior year was arguably his best. He was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and was a key factor in the Buckeyes winning the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. He rushed for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He also earned All-American honors and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
Ezekiel’s senior year was more of the same. He rushed for 1,622 yards and scored 22 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards per game. He earned All-Big Ten honors once again and was named a Consensus All-American. He ended his college career as the Big Ten’s all-time leading rusher, with an impressive 4,869 career rushing yards.
Ezekiel Elliott left a lasting legacy at Ohio State. He was a leader both on and off the field and inspired his teammates with his play and dedication. His impact on the program was evident, as the Buckeyes won the National Championship in 2015 and went to three consecutive College Football Playoff appearances. He also set numerous records and put himself in Ohio State’s elite group of running backs.
Drafted To The NFL
In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott’s dreams of playing in the NFL were finally realized when he was drafted fourth overall by the Dallas Cowboys. After three years of college football and an outstanding junior season at Ohio State, Elliott had become a household name and a top prospect in the draft. Before the draft, he had generated a lot of buzz due to his combination of speed, strength, and agility.
The draft process was a long and grueling road for Elliott. He was one of the most talked about players leading up to the draft and was expected to go in the top five. On the night of the draft, the Cowboys traded up with the Cleveland Browns to select him. After hearing his name called, Elliott jumped into the air and hugged his family in celebration.
After being drafted into the NFL, Elliott made an immediate impact on the Cowboys. He set a Cowboys rookie rushing record with 1,631 yards on the season and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Not only did his remarkable performance help the Cowboys win the NFC East, but it also made him the first-ever rookie to lead the NFL in rushing yards in the season.
Elliott’s success continued in his second season. He rushed for 983 yards and scored seven touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. At the end of the season, he was also selected to the All-Pro First Team.
In his third season, Elliott was named the NFL’s rushing leader for the second time in his career. He rushed for 1,434 yards, scored six touchdowns, and was awarded his second Pro Bowl selection. He also helped the Cowboys reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Elliott’s NFL career has been filled with success, and his impact on the Cowboys has been undeniable. He has been a reliable and productive
running back, and his career is still on the rise.
Ezekiel Elliott |
Accolades
Throughout his career, Ezekiel Elliott has earned several awards and accolades that demonstrate his success and impact on the game of football. He was the recipient of the National Football League’s (NFL) prestigious rushing title in 2016 when he rushed for 1,631 yards in 15 games. Additionally, he was named to the Pro Bowl twice in 2016 and 2018 and was named the Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 2016.
His success didn’t end there, though. Ezekiel Elliott was also named the MVP of the 2016 Pro Bowl, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016, and the FedEx Ground Player of the Year in 2016. On top of all of that, he won the NFL rushing title for the second time in 2019, becoming the first player to do so in back-to-back years since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006 and 2007.
In terms of collegiate awards, Ezekiel Elliott won the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 after leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a National Championship. He was also named a unanimous All-American that same year and was the recipient of the Doak Walker Award in 2014, which is given to the nation’s best running back.
With these awards and accolades, Ezekiel Elliott has firmly established himself as one of the best running backs of his era. He has been consistently productive throughout his career and has earned the respect of his peers and coaches. His hard work and dedication have been rewarded with the recognition and awards he has earned.
Elliott is the first running back in NFL history to be named the Pro Bowl MVP as a rookie and is the only player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. He has also rushed for over 100 yards in 19 consecutive games, which is the second-longest streak in NFL history.
In addition to his awards, Elliott has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award twice, in 2018 and 2019, for his charitable work and community involvement. He has also been named the NFLPA Community MVP for his efforts off the field. With all of his accomplishments, there is no doubt that Ezekiel Elliott is one of the most talented and respected running backs of his era.
Off The Field
Ezekiel Elliott is just as much of a success off the field as he is on it. He uses his platform and influence to help those less fortunate and to be a positive role model in his community. He takes his role as a role model very seriously and is always looking for ways to help those who need it.
Elliott is an active supporter of the Salvation Army, dedicating his off-field efforts to giving back to those in need. He has been involved in their Red Kettle campaign since entering the league, donating thousands of dollars to the organization. He even donated his entire game check from a Week 2 matchup with the New York Giants in 2016. He also regularly donates money to support Dallas area schools and provides tickets to youth football programs.
In 2019, Elliott also launched his own charitable organization, the Elliott Foundation, to inspire Dallas-area youth and help them achieve their dreams. The foundation’s mission is to “provide educational, athletic and recreational programs to promote physical, mental and emotional growth for underserved youth”. Through the foundation, Elliott has been able to provide scholarships to students in the Dallas area, donate to local food banks, and help rebuild and remodel local parks.
Elliott is also committed to bringing awareness to the issue of racism. He has been vocal about his stance on the issue and has spoken out about the need for police reform and criminal justice reform. He was an active participant in the protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd in 2020 and has worked with the Dallas Cowboys to organize several marches and other events to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Apart from his charitable work, Elliott is a big sports fan. He is a proud supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and can often be seen in the stands cheering them on. He is also an avid gamer and enjoys playing NBA 2K and Madden NFL.
Elliott’s off-field endeavors demonstrate his commitment to making a difference in his local community. His willingness to use his platform to stand up for important causes is one of the many reasons why he is admired and respected by so many.
Looking Ahead
Ezekiel Elliott is by no means done with his NFL career. While he has achieved many great accomplishments up to this point, he is still striving for more. His focus remains on becoming one of the greatest running backs of his generation.
Elliott’s main goal is to lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl win since 1995. He has come close several times, leading the team to the playoffs during his tenure. However, the Cowboys have yet to secure that elusive Lombardi Trophy.
Elliott’s individual goals for the upcoming season include breaking the NFL single-season rushing record. This record is currently held by Eric Dickerson, who rushed for a total of 2,105 yards during the 1984 season. Elliott made a valiant attempt at this record in 2020 but fell short by 28 yards.
In addition to his personal goals, Elliott is also striving to become one of the richest players in the NFL. He signed a 6-year, $90 million contract extension in 2019, and is set to make even more money in the coming years. Elliott has already made a name for himself as one of the most marketable players in the league, and his financial potential is far from tapped.
Not only is Elliott working on his professional goals, but he also has an eye on his legacy. He has become a role model for many and has used his platform to help those in need. Elliott has been a strong supporter of the Feeding South Texas program and has founded his own charitable foundation, the Zeke Elliott Cares Fund.
Elliott’s future looks bright. His combination of skill, commitment, and philanthropy has allowed him to become one of the most respected players in the NFL. As he continues to strive for greatness both on and off the field, he will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the football world.
Ezekiel Elliott |
Ezekiel Elliott has come a long way, from a small-town kid to one of the best running backs the NFL has seen. His journey from Ohio State to the NFL has been filled with incredible accomplishments, awards, and accolades. In just five short seasons, he has amassed over 7,000 rushing yards, cementing himself as one of the most successful and prolific running backs of his generation.
Off the field, Elliott has been just as successful. He’s embraced his role as a role model and has regularly lent his voice to causes that he believes in, such as fighting hunger, supporting education, and promoting youth wellness. He’s also one of the more philanthropic players in the NFL, regularly donating time and money to various charitable organizations and causes.
Elliott has his sights set on continued success in the NFL. He’s stated that he wants to build a legacy that will outlast his career and be remembered for years to come. He’s also looking to break more records and make his mark as one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game.
Ezekiel Elliott is a shining example of what it can take to make it in the NFL. With his tireless work ethic, commitment to excellence, and dedication to giving back to his community, he’s a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. He’s taken his passion and talent and used them to great success, both on the field and off. His story from Ohio State to the NFL is one of hard work and dedication, and it’s certainly something to be admired and respected.
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