Five Things to Know About Former Dallas Cowboys Running Back Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott

On March 15, 2023, news surfaced that the Dallas Cowboys had released famed running back Ezekiel Elliott from their roster. By releasing the 27-year-old from his contract, the Cowboys will save almost $11 million against the 2023 salary cap. Elliott played his first seven seasons in the NFL in Dallas, notably leading the league in rushing yards in two of his first three seasons. 

With speculation rising over who Elliott’s new team will be–his name has most notably been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals–let’s take a look back at the twists and turns his football career has taken so far:

1.) Finished as Heisman finalist

Elliot was restricted to playing behind starter Carlos Hyde during his rookie year at Ohio State. When Hyde left for the NFL in 2014, Elliot erupted as a sophomore, rushing for over 1,800 yards on the season. Despite a stellar junior season, he only finished eighth in voting for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, and was notably not invited to the award ceremony in New York City. “He should be in New York,” said Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer in an interview with Bleacher Report journalist Ben Axelrod. “He’s one of the best players in America. He should be a Heisman guy.”

2.) Became fashion trendsetter

Strangely enough, Elliott gained attention for his choice of attire while playing at Ohio State, as he was known for rolling up his jersey to bare his midriff while out on the field. “I just don’t like how loose jerseys are at the bottom, so I just tuck it up and roll it,” he told USA Today reporter Laken Litman. “I get in trouble for it every once in awhile. I’ll have to come out at halftime, pull my jersey down and tuck it in.” Indeed, Elliott’s fashion choice caused such a stir for the NCAA that officials were prompted to make a rule change against allowing players to bare their abs during games.

3.) Excelled during NFL rookie year

Elliott hit the ground running–no pun intended–during his first season in the NFL. Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft, he went on to lead the entire league in rushing yards on the season. The Cowboys finished the season with a 13-3 record, before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Elliott earned a Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team AP All-Pro as well. 

4.) Was accused of domestic violence

Due to accusations of domestic violence, the NFL suspended Elliott for the Cowboys’ first six games of the 2017 regular-season. “A woman, who said she had a dating relationship with Elliott, reported multiple domestic violence incidents to authorities,” wrote USA Today reporter A.J. Perez, “including one in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2016 that led to a police investigation.”

5.) Signed $90 million contract

Seeking a long-term contract during training camp right before the start of the 2019 season, Elliott became a holdout until his demands were met. Fearing that they would go an entire year without their star running back, the Cowboys owner Jerry Jones eventually caved to his demands, granting Elliott a six-year, $90 million contract. “It’s just negotiations. You’ve got to get through it,” Elliott told ESPN reporter Todd Archer after his contract saga with Jones had concluded. “We’re good.”