Ezekiel Elliott's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ezekiel Elliott.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1977: Tony Dorsett's Record

In 1977, Tony Dorsett achieved the mark of being the first Cowboys rookie to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, a record that Ezekiel Elliott matched in 2016.

1981: George Rogers' Rookie Season

In 1981, George Rogers had 1,674 rushing yards, the second most by a rookie, surpassed only by Eric Dickerson and ahead of Ezekiel Elliott.

1983: Eric Dickerson's Rookie Record

In 1983, Eric Dickerson set the rookie record with 1,808 rushing yards, surpassing Ezekiel Elliott's rookie year performance.

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.

2014: Heisman Trophy Candidate

Ezekiel Elliott's success at the end of the 2014 season made him a front-runner for the 2015 Heisman Trophy.

2014: Consecutive 100-yard games streak begins

From 2014 to 2015, Ezekiel Elliott had a streak of 15 consecutive 100-yard games which was second only to Archie Griffin.

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.

2015: Rushing Records in 2015

In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott achieved several rushing records at Ohio State, including 23 rushing touchdowns which was third most in a season and tying for a school record of 12 100-yard rushing games.

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.

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.

2017: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2017, Ezekiel Elliott was ranked seventh by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players and was the highest-ranked running back.

2018: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Ezekiel Elliott was ranked 54th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

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.

2019: Third Pro Bowl Nomination

Ezekiel Elliott earned his third Pro Bowl nomination for 2019.

2019: NFL Top 100 Ranking

Ezekiel Elliott was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 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.