Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ezekiel Elliott

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ezekiel Elliott made an impact.

Ezekiel "Zeke" Elliott is a professional American football running back. He achieved All-American status at Ohio State before being drafted fourth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. During his seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott earned three Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro selections, and led the NFL in rushing yards in both 2016 and 2018. After being released by the Cowboys, he played a season with the New England Patriots before returning to the Cowboys in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: St. Louis Post-Dispatch Offensive Player of the Year

In 2012, as a junior, Ezekiel Elliott was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offensive player of the year after an impressive season with the John Burroughs Bombers football team.

2013: Freshman Year at Ohio State

In 2013, as a true freshman at Ohio State University, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 262 yards with two touchdowns.

2014: Streak of 100-yard games

From 2014 to 2015 Ezekiel Elliot had a streak of 15 consecutive 100-yard games.

2014: Starting Role and Academic Honors

In 2014, Ezekiel Elliott became the starting running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was named to the Academic All-Big Ten Conference team.

November 21, 2015: Loss to Michigan State and NFL Draft Announcement

On November 21, 2015, after a loss to Michigan State, Ezekiel Elliott announced that he would enter the 2016 NFL draft.

2015: All-American Honors

In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott earned second-team All-American honors while playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

2015: Sugar Bowl Offensive MVP and National Championship

In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott was named the Offensive Player of the Game in the Sugar Bowl victory against Alabama and the Offensive MVP in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Oregon.

2015: Record-Breaking Season

In the 2015 season, Ezekiel Elliott tied the school record with 12 100-yard rushing games.

April 28, 2016: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys

On April 28, 2016, Ezekiel Elliott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft as the fourth overall pick.

May 18, 2016: Signs Rookie Contract

On May 18, 2016, Ezekiel Elliott signed his four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys, reportedly worth $24.9 million with a $16.3 million signing bonus.

2016: Declared for NFL Draft

In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott declared for the NFL Draft.

2016: NFL Draft and Rushing Leader

In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys fourth overall in the NFL draft and led the league in rushing yards.

2018: NFL Rushing Leader

In 2018, Ezekiel Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards.

2018: Rushing Title and Pro Bowl Nomination

In the 2018 season, Ezekiel Elliott won the rushing title for the second time and earned a second Pro Bowl nomination.

April 17, 2019: Fifth-Year Option

On April 17, 2019, the Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on Ezekiel Elliott's contract.

2019: Pro Bowl Nomination

Ezekiel Elliott earned his third Pro Bowl nomination for 2019.

2019: Successful Season

Ezekiel Elliott finished the 2019 season with 301 carries for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 54 receptions for 420 yards and two touchdowns.

2020: Season Performance

Ezekiel Elliott finished the 2020 season with 244 carries for 979 yards and six touchdowns, along with 52 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns.

August 27, 2021: Cowboys Restructure Elliott's Contract

On August 27, 2021, the Cowboys restructured Ezekiel Elliott's contract, converting $8.6 million of his base salary into a signing bonus to create salary cap space.

2022: Released by Cowboys

After the 2022 season, Ezekiel Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys.

March 15, 2023: Cowboys Release Elliott

On March 15, 2023, the Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott.

August 16, 2023: Elliott Signs with New England Patriots

On August 16, 2023, Ezekiel Elliott signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots, where he was expected to contribute in third-down and red zone situations.