Ezekiel Elliott, a prominent name in the NFL, has carved a significant niche for himself through his remarkable career. As a running back for the New England Patriots and formerly with the Dallas Cowboys, Elliott’s career stats reflect his dynamic presence on the field. In this deep dive into Ezekiel Elliott’s career, we explore his journey from college to the professional leagues, highlighting his statistical achievements and milestones.
Ezekiel Elliott Early Career and College Highlights
Ezekiel Elliott’s football journey began at Ohio State University, where he quickly established himself as a key player. In the 2015 season, Elliott’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for over 100 yards in 10 consecutive games, including an impressive 274 yards against Indiana – the second-highest by an Ohio State player. His performance against Michigan State, though ending in a loss, was a testament to his skill and determination. Elliott concluded his college career with 149 yards and four touchdowns in a Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.
At Ohio State, Elliott’s stats were remarkable. He ranked second in career rushing yards with 3,961 and average yards per game with 101.6. He also recorded the second and third most rushing yards in a season for the school and had 43 rushing touchdowns, the fourth most in the school’s history. His twelve 100-yard rushing games in 2015 tied the school record, and he was one of only two Ohio State players to record five 200-yard rushing games.
Elliott’s college career was decorated with numerous accolades. He was the Offensive MVP of both the 2015 Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Despite being a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy in 2015, he finished 8th in the voting. However, he was named the 2015 Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, the 2015 Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year, and was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott as the fourth overall pick, reflecting the high expectations placed on him. He was compared to renowned players like Adrian Peterson and Edgerrin James and was noted for his exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and skills.
Elliott’s rookie season with the Cowboys was remarkable. He quickly established a streak of over 100 yards per game, passing Tony Dorsett as the second Cowboys rookie to carry for more than 1,000 yards in a season. He finished his rookie season as the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,631 yards, the third-most by a rookie, and was the youngest player to surpass 1,600 yards. His performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and a selection to the First Team All-Pro. His peers ranked him seventh on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
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Ezekiel Elliott Career Stats and Achievements
Ezekiel Elliott’s NFL career has been marked by a series of impressive achievements and statistics. His running and receiving abilities have consistently placed him among the top running backs in the league.
- Rushing Yards and Touchdowns: Elliott’s rushing ability is highlighted by his total career rushing yards of 8,691 at an average of 4.4 yards per carry, with 70 rushing touchdowns over 115 games. His rookie season (2016) was particularly remarkable, where he rushed for 1,631 yards, the most for a rookie that year, and scored 15 touchdowns. The 2018 season was another highlight, with Elliott rushing for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns.
- Receiving Stats: As a versatile player, Elliott has also made significant contributions in the receiving department. Over his career, he has made 329 receptions for 2,490 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 2018 season was noteworthy in this aspect, with Elliott recording 77 receptions for 567 yards and three touchdowns.
- Playoff Performances: In the playoffs, Elliott has maintained his high-performance levels. In the 2016 and 2018 playoffs, he accumulated a total of 358 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over three games.
- Pro Bowl Selections and Records: Elliott has been selected for the Pro Bowl multiple times, a testament to his consistent performance. He led the league in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018, becoming one of the few players to win the rushing title twice in his first three seasons.
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Ezekiel Elliott Career Stats – Season-by-Season Analysis
A more detailed look into Elliott’s NFL career reveals his consistent performance:
- 2016 (Dallas Cowboys): Elliott had an explosive start in his rookie season, leading the NFL in rushing yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, showcasing his exceptional rushing ability.
- 2017 (Dallas Cowboys): Despite playing only 10 games due to a suspension, Elliott managed to rush for 983 yards and seven touchdowns, also catching 26 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
- 2018 (Dallas Cowboys): This season saw Elliott earning his second Pro Bowl selection and leading the league in rushing yards for the second time. He totaled 2,001 scrimmage yards, surpassing the 2,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.
- 2019 (Dallas Cowboys): Elliott continued his impressive form, starting in all 16 games and finishing the season with 1,357 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing seven times this season, showing remarkable consistency.
- 2020 (Dallas Cowboys): Elliott played and started in 15 games, rushing for 979 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 52 receptions for 338 yards, marking his third consecutive season with over 50 receptions.
- 2021 (Dallas Cowboys): Elliott rushed for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns, also contributing in the receiving game with 47 catches for 287 yards.
- 2022 (Dallas Cowboys) to 2023 (New England Patriots): Elliott’s performance remained steady, with him contributing both as a rusher and a receiver, adapting well to his new team in 2023.
Current Season Performance
In the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, Ezekiel Elliott has continued to showcase his skills as a formidable running back. His performance has been characterized by solid rushing and receiving abilities, adapting seamlessly to his new team’s dynamics.
- 2023 Season Stats: As of the current season, Elliott has played 12 games for the Patriots, rushing 112 times for 429 yards at an average of 3.8 yards per carry. He has scored 2 touchdowns, highlighting his role as a consistent scorer for the team. In the receiving game, he has made 24 receptions for 154 yards. This performance is indicative of his versatility and ability to contribute significantly in different facets of the game.
Off-Field Endeavors and Public Image
Apart from his on-field achievements, Elliott is known for his activities off the field. He has been involved in various charitable events and initiatives, contributing to his community and enhancing his public image. This off-field presence has not only endeared him to fans but also highlighted his role as a responsible and engaged athlete.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Ezekiel Elliott’s future in the NFL appears bright. Despite the natural fluctuations in performance that come with any athlete’s career, his consistent record over the years suggests he still has much to offer. His adaptability and skill set make him a valuable asset to any team, and he could potentially achieve several more milestones in his career.
- Potential Milestones: Elliott is on track to surpass personal bests in rushing and receiving yards. His consistent scoring ability also places him in a position to climb higher in the all-time rushing touchdowns list.
- Challenges: Like any professional athlete, Elliott faces challenges such as maintaining his physical fitness and adapting to the evolving dynamics of the NFL. However, his track record suggests he is more than capable of meeting these challenges head-on.
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The Verdict
Ezekiel Elliott’s career in the NFL, marked by impressive statistics and consistent performance, has established him as one of the top running backs in the league. His journey from a standout college player to a key figure in the NFL is a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work. As he continues his career with the New England Patriots, fans and analysts alike will be watching eagerly to see how he further cements his legacy in the world of football.