Ezekiel Elliott Ohio: Tracing The Path Of A Buckeye Legend Back To Dallas

Prof. Lonny Smitham 06 Aug 2025

When you think about the powerful running backs who have left a lasting mark on college football and then the professional game, one name often springs to mind, especially for folks who follow the sport closely. That, you know, is Ezekiel Elliott, a player whose connection to Ohio runs deep, really. His journey, from a promising young talent in the Buckeye State to a standout in the NFL, is a story that many fans find quite compelling, honestly.

His time wearing the scarlet and gray colors of the Ohio State Buckeyes was, in a way, nothing short of remarkable. It’s a period that, for many, defines a significant part of his football identity, you see. He truly made the most of his chances on the field, showing everyone what he could do.

And now, after a bit of a winding path, Ezekiel Elliott is, well, actually back with the Dallas Cowboys for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. It’s a full circle kind of moment for him, bringing his career, in some respects, right back to where he spent the majority of his professional playing days. This return has many people talking, naturally, and thinking about his whole career arc.

Personal Details and Early Life
A Buckeye Legacy: Ezekiel Elliott's Ohio State Career
- College Football Playoff Spotlight
- Remarkable College Achievements
The Leap to the NFL: Draft Day Glory
Dominance with the Dallas Cowboys: The First Stint
A Brief Departure and the 2024 Return
Ezekiel Elliott's Enduring Impact
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel Elliott

Personal Details and Early Life

Ezekiel Elijah Elliott, a person whose name is quite familiar to football enthusiasts, was born on July 22, 1995. This date marks the beginning of his journey, one that would eventually lead him to become a prominent figure in the sport, you know. He would grow up to become a professional American football player, really, and his chosen position on the field was that of a running back, a role he excelled at quite well.

His path to college football, it’s almost like, involved a choice between some pretty good programs. He ultimately decided to play for Ohio State, picking them over other schools, including Missouri. This decision, in a way, set the stage for the significant impact he would have in college football, which is that, you know, a very important part of his story.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Ezekiel Elijah Elliott
Date of Birth	July 22, 1995
Position	Running Back
College	Ohio State Buckeyes
NFL Draft	2016, 4th Overall Pick
Primary NFL Team	Dallas Cowboys

A Buckeye Legacy: Ezekiel Elliott's Ohio State Career

Ezekiel Elliott's time at Ohio State was, well, incredibly successful, actually. He spent three years playing in the team's scarlet and gray uniforms, making quite a name for himself during that period. His college career was, in fact, truly remarkable, leaving a strong impression on fans and analysts alike, you see.

He came out of Ohio State as a highly touted draft prospect, a player many teams were eager to get their hands on. This was a testament to his hard work and the skills he displayed consistently on the field. It’s pretty clear that his college performance set him up for big things.

College Football Playoff Spotlight

One of the defining aspects of his college career was how he performed under the bright lights of the College Football Playoff. He truly took advantage of that massive spotlight, showing everyone his capabilities on the biggest stage, you know. It was a chance for him to shine, and he certainly did.

There’s a moment that many people remember quite vividly: the time he sprinted to the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown against Alabama. That particular play, honestly, showed his speed and determination when it mattered most. It’s a very iconic image for Ohio State fans, still.

Remarkable College Achievements

His career as an Ohio State star running back was, in a way, filled with impressive accomplishments. He consistently showed a knack for gaining yards and finding the end zone, which is that, you know, what you want from a top-tier running back. You can, for instance, look at his complete career NCAAF stats on ESPN to get a full picture of his college performance.

He was a key component of the Buckeyes' offense, someone they could rely on to make big plays. His impact went beyond just the numbers, though; he was a leader on the field, inspiring his teammates with his effort and drive, arguably.

The Leap to the NFL: Draft Day Glory

After his junior year at Ohio State, Ezekiel Elliott decided it was time to take his talents to the next level. He made the choice to leave college early and declare for the NFL Draft, a decision that many young, promising players often make. It was, in some respects, a moment of transition for him, moving from amateur to professional.

The 2016 NFL Draft was a very significant day for him, obviously. He was selected with the fourth overall pick, a truly high honor that speaks volumes about how highly he was regarded by NFL teams. This pick, as a matter of fact, meant he was the first running back chosen in that draft class, which is a pretty big deal for a player at his position.

The team that picked him, as many people know, was the Dallas Cowboys. They saw something special in him, a player who could immediately come in and make a difference for their offense. He came out of Ohio State as a highly touted draft prospect, and the Cowboys clearly agreed with that assessment, you know.

Dominance with the Dallas Cowboys: The First Stint

Once he joined the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league. He spent the bulk of his professional career with them, becoming a central figure in their offensive scheme. For many seasons, he was the workhorse back, someone they could consistently rely on for tough yards and big plays, you see.

His initial years with the Cowboys were marked by incredible production, really. He was a consistent threat, rushing for many yards and scoring plenty of touchdowns. He quickly became a fan favorite in Dallas, known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles, which is that, you know, what makes a great running back.

Elliott remained with the Cowboys through many seasons, carrying the ball countless times and contributing significantly to their success. He developed a strong connection with the team and its fan base during this period, solidifying his place as a key player for them, honestly.

A Brief Departure and the 2024 Return

Football careers, well, they can sometimes take interesting turns, you know. Last week, the Dallas Cowboys actually parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott. This was a development that, for many fans, came as a bit of a surprise, or at least a moment of reflection on his long tenure with the team.

The former Ohio State star had, in fact, requested his release. He wanted to pursue an opportunity with a playoff-contending team, which is that, you know, a common desire for players as their careers progress. After leaving for one year and playing with another team, his journey took a new direction.

His new and final spot for that particular season was with the Los Angeles Chargers, as he signed with them. It was a chance for him to experience a different team environment and contribute in a new role, in a way. He had, for instance, rushed for only 642 yards and three touchdowns on 184 carries during that time, which was a bit lower than his usual output.

But now, the story has come full circle, which is that, you know, a pretty neat way to put it. The former Ohio State Buckeyes star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, is back with the Dallas Cowboys for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. He comes to the Cowboys with a lower price tag this time around, a reflection of the evolving landscape of the league, arguably.

This return, honestly, brings a familiar face back to the Cowboys' backfield. It’s a moment that, for many fans, feels like a reunion, and there's a certain excitement about seeing him in the star again. His NFL career, in a way, truly has come back to its main home, you see.

Ezekiel Elliott's Enduring Impact

Ezekiel Elliott has had, well, a very successful football career through both his college days and his time in the NFL. He’s left an undeniable mark on the sport, known for his powerful running style and his consistent effort on the field. His impact, you know, goes beyond just the statistics.

He is a player who, in some respects, embodies toughness and dedication. Whether he was breaking tackles for Ohio State or churning out yards for the Cowboys, he always played with a certain intensity. You can, for instance, always check out the latest stats for Ezekiel Elliott to see how his career numbers stack up.

His journey, from a highly touted prospect coming out of Ohio State to a seasoned NFL veteran, is a story of perseverance and adaptability. He’s faced challenges and changes, yet he continues to find ways to contribute to the game he loves, which is that, you know, something to admire.

The connection between Ezekiel Elliott and Ohio, particularly Ohio State, remains very strong. It’s where he honed his skills and became a national sensation before making the leap to the professional ranks. That foundation, in a way, really shaped the player he became, still.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel Elliott

Here are some common questions people often ask about Ezekiel Elliott and his football journey:

When did Ezekiel Elliott leave Ohio State?

Ezekiel Elliott left Ohio State after his junior year. This decision, in a way, paved the path for him to enter the professional football league, which is that, you know, a big step for any college player. He made the move to the NFL following that season, honestly.

Which team drafted Ezekiel Elliott from Ohio State?

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Ezekiel Elliott. They selected him with the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, a choice that showed their belief in his talent and potential. He was, in fact, the first running back to be picked in that draft class, a pretty significant achievement, you see.

Is Ezekiel Elliott back with the Cowboys?

Yes, Ezekiel Elliott is back with the Dallas Cowboys. He has returned to the team for the upcoming 2024 NFL season, bringing his career, in some respects, full circle. After a brief period away, he's rejoined the squad, which is that, you know, exciting for many fans.

For more insights into the history of great running backs, you can Learn more about running backs on our site. And to discover other stories of athletes returning to their former teams, you might want to link to this page .

Ezekiel Biography | Inspirational Christians

Prophet Ezekiel High Resolution Stock Photography and Images - Alamy

Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of the Glory of God | Biblical Images by BiblePics

Global Artist Buzz