Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ezekiel Elliott

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2025

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

Ezekiel "Zeke" Elliott is an American professional football running back known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys. A standout at Ohio State, he was drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in 2016. During his seven seasons with Dallas, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors, leading the NFL in rushing yards in both 2016 and 2018. After a season with the New England Patriots in 2023, he returned to the Cowboys in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Comparison to Adrian Peterson

Before the draft, Ezekiel Elliott was labeled the most complete back to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson in 2007.

2012: 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 rushing for 1,802 yards and 34 touchdowns.

2013: College Selection

In 2013, Ezekiel Elliott signed with Ohio State University, declining offers from other schools, including his parents' alma mater, the University of Missouri.

2013: Freshman Season at Ohio State

In 2013, as a true freshman at Ohio State University, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 262 yards on 30 carries with two touchdowns, serving as a backup to Carlos Hyde.

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.

2014: Offensive MVP Awards

In 2014, Ezekiel Elliott was named the Offensive MVP of both the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

November 21, 2015: Loss to Michigan State

On November 21, 2015, Ohio State suffered a 17–14 loss to Michigan State, after which Ezekiel Elliott announced 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 Performance

In 2015, during the Sugar Bowl against #1 Alabama, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 230 yards on 20 carries in a 42–35 victory, earning the Offensive Player of the Game award.

April 28, 2016: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

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

May 18, 2016: Signs Rookie Contract

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

2016: NFL Draft Entry

After the loss to Michigan State on November 21, 2015, Ezekiel Elliot announced that he would enter the 2016 NFL draft.

2016: Rookie Milestone

After the ninth game of the 2016 season, Ezekiel Elliott became the second Cowboys rookie to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.

2016: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys

In 2016, Ezekiel Elliott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys fourth overall in the NFL draft.

2018: Second Rushing Title and Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2018, Ezekiel Elliott finished the season with 1,434 rushing yards and won the rushing title for the second time in three seasons, also earning a second Pro Bowl nomination.

2018: League Rushing Yards Leader

In 2018, Ezekiel Elliott led the league in rushing yards for the second time in his career.

April 17, 2019: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

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

2019: Third Pro Bowl Nomination

Ezekiel Elliott earned his third Pro Bowl nomination for 2019.

2019: Elliott's 2019 Season Performance

In 2019, Elliott concluded the season with 301 carries for 1,357 yards, 12 touchdowns, 54 receptions for 420 yards, and two touchdowns across 15 games.