Countdown to the season opener: Day 50 Ezekiel Elliott

We’re counting down to the season opener (Day 50) with some Cowboys history

We’re counting down the days until the Dallas Cowboys battle the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener of the 2025 NFL season. To pass the time and mark the days, we running through 100 Days of Cowboys. So sit back and enjoy some Cowboys history while we countdown to football.

Today – number 50.

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Ezekiel Elliott

Born: July 22, 1995. Alton, Illinois
Position: Running back
Dallas Cowboys: 2016-2022, 2024
Awards: All-Pro- 2016, 2018
Pro Bowl– 2016, 2018, 2019
NFL rushing yards leader- 2016, 2018

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Ezekiel Elliott played running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 2016 to 2022 and again in 2024, after being selected fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Bursting onto the scene as a rookie, Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards (1,631) and helped guide Dallas to a 13–3 record. Known for his physical running style, elite vision, and pass protection, Elliott became the face of the Cowboys’ offense alongside quarterback Dak Prescott. He earned three Pro Bowl selections, two rushing titles, and rushed for over 1,000 yards in four seasons, ranking among the league’s most productive backs during his tenure. His career yards at Dallas of 8,488 and 71 rushing touchdowns is third-most, trailing only Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith.

Best known for:
Elliott was best known for his dominant rookie season and consistent production, serving as a workhorse back and tone-setter for the Cowboys’ offense for much of the late 2010s. His game winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers is still one of the most famous plays in Cowboys history.

Lesser known fact:
Elliott comes from an athletic family where his mother was a collegiate track star, his father played linebacker at Missouri and his grandfather and uncle played respective sports at a high level. That background helped shape his unusual combination of speed, balance, and toughness, making him one of the most complete backs of his era.