Ezekiel Elliott's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Ezekiel Elliott.
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.
1977: Tony Dorsett's Record
In 1977, Tony Dorsett rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season as a Cowboys Rookie.
1981: George Rogers' 1,674 rushing yards
In 1981, George Rogers rushed for 1,674 yards.
1983: Eric Dickerson's rookie record
In 1983, Eric Dickerson set the rookie record with 1,808 rushing yards.
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: Ranked as No. 9 Running Back
In 2013, Ezekiel Elliott was considered a four-star recruit and listed as the No. 9 running back in the nation by Scout.com.
2014: Heisman Trophy Front-Runner
At the end of the 2014 season, Ezekiel Elliott became a front-runner for the 2015 Heisman Trophy.
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.
2014: Offensive MVP Awards
In 2014, Ezekiel Elliott was named the Offensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
2015: All-American Honors
In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott earned second-team All-American honors while playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
2015: Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year
In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott was named the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year, and Unanimous First Team All-Big Ten.
2015: Offensive MVP Awards
In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott was named the Offensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
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.
2016: 1,000 Rushing Yards
During the 2016 season, Ezekiel Elliott became the second Cowboys rookie to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
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.
2017: Ranked on NFL Top 100
Due to his successful 2016 season, Ezekiel Elliott was ranked seventh by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 and was the highest ranked running back.
2018: Ranked on NFL Top 100
Ezekiel Elliott was ranked 54th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.
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.
2019: Pro Bowl Nomination
Ezekiel Elliott earned his third Pro Bowl nomination for 2019.
2019: Ranked on NFL Top 100
Ezekiel Elliott was ranked 18th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.
2020: Ranked on NFL Top 100
Ezekiel Elliott was ranked 24th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.
