Ezekiel Elliott is one of the most recognizable running backs of his generation. Known by the nickname “Zeke,” he became a major NFL star after the Dallas Cowboys selected him fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. His combination of power, speed, vision, and ability to contribute as a receiver quickly made him one of the league’s most productive running backs.
As of 2026, Elliott is 31 years old and has completed nine NFL seasons. His latest NFL action came during the 2024 season with Dallas, followed by a short stint on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad in January 2025. NFL and Pro Football Reference list his career totals at 2,139 rushing attempts, 9,130 rushing yards, 74 rushing touchdowns, 368 receptions, and 2,718 receiving yards.
Fans continue to search for Ezekiel Elliott stats, bio, age, net worth, career earnings, height, college career, NFL teams, family, and latest status. His financial story is also notable: Over The Cap lists his NFL career earnings at approximately $75.85 million, although career earnings are not the same as personal net worth.
Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers
Pro Bowls
3
First-Team All-Pro
1
NFL Rushing Titles
2
Career Rushing Yards
9,130
Career Rushing TDs
74
Career Receptions
368
Estimated Net Worth
Approximately $25–30 million; not officially confirmed
Career Earnings
About $75.85 million
Latest NFL Action
2025 Chargers practice squad
Ezekiel Elliott Net Worth
Ezekiel Elliott’s estimated net worth in 2026 is around $25 million to $30 million. This figure should be viewed as an estimate rather than an officially verified amount because Elliott has not publicly released a complete statement of his assets, investments, properties, savings, taxes, and other financial holdings.
His career earnings provide a much stronger public indicator of his financial success. Over The Cap currently lists Elliott’s NFL career earnings at approximately $75.85 million, including his contracts with the Cowboys and Patriots and his short Chargers practice-squad deal.
It is important to understand the difference between career earnings and net worth. A professional athlete can earn tens of millions of dollars during a career without having the same amount in personal wealth.
Taxes, agent fees, living expenses, investments, insurance, business costs, and other financial obligations can significantly reduce the amount an athlete ultimately retains. Elliott’s biggest contract was his six-year, $90 million extension with the Cowboys signed in 2019. Over The Cap records the contract as having an average annual value of $15 million and more than $28 million in guarantees at signing.
His financial success was also supported by endorsement and licensing opportunities. Forbes previously noted that a significant portion of Elliott’s off-field income came from royalties and licensing, helped by his popularity as an NFL merchandise seller. Therefore, a $25–30 million 2026 net-worth estimate is more reasonable than simply treating his $75.85 million career earnings as his wealth.
Ezekiel Elliott Age in 2026
Ezekiel Elliott was born on July 22, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri. That makes him 31 years old in 2026. Pro Football Reference lists his birth date, height, college, and draft information, while NFL records his professional career as beginning with Dallas in 2016. Elliott entered the NFL at only 20 years old and immediately became one of the league’s most important young running backs.
His early success was remarkable because he did not need several seasons to establish himself. He led the NFL in rushing during his rookie season and became a centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense. By his early thirties, however, his workload and production had changed considerably. His later seasons produced fewer rushing yards per attempt than his peak years.
Ezekiel Elliott is listed at approximately 6 feet tall. His playing weight has generally been listed in the range of 225 to 228 pounds. Pro Football Reference lists him at 6-foot and 228 pounds, while the NFL lists him at 6-foot and 226 pounds. His size has been an important part of his playing style.
Elliott was never simply a speed back. He combined strength with acceleration and was capable of running through contact. His physical style made him particularly effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His size also helped him remain useful as a pass protector, an area that coaches have valued throughout his career.
Ezekiel Elliott Early Life
Ezekiel Elliott grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and developed an interest in football at a young age. His athletic ability became clear during high school, where he played football and participated in other sports. He attended John Burroughs School in St. Louis and became one of the area’s most highly regarded football prospects.
His father, Stacy Elliott, had a background in athletics and coaching, while his mother, Dawn Elliott, was also involved in sports. This athletic environment helped shape Ezekiel’s competitive approach. As a high school player, Elliott demonstrated the combination of speed, strength, and explosiveness that later became his trademark at the professional level.
Ezekiel Elliott College Career
Ezekiel Elliott attended Ohio State University, where he became one of the best running backs in college football. His breakthrough came during the 2014 season when Ohio State made an unexpected run to the national championship.
Elliott was outstanding during the College Football Playoff. He rushed for more than 200 yards in each of Ohio State’s three postseason games, helping the Buckeyes defeat Alabama and Oregon to win the national championship.
His 2014 playoff performance made him a major national star. The following season, Elliott continued to dominate. He rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns during the 2015 regular season, establishing himself as one of the top running backs available for the NFL Draft. His combination of college production and physical ability made him one of the most highly valued running-back prospects in the 2016 draft.
Ezekiel Elliott NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The selection demonstrated just how highly Dallas valued him. Elliott was chosen ahead of numerous other talented players because the Cowboys believed he could immediately transform their running game.
The decision quickly proved successful. He joined a Dallas offense that featured quarterback Dak Prescott and a strong offensive line, creating one of the league’s most productive offensive units. NFL.com reported that Elliott’s original rookie contract was worth approximately $24.9 million over four years, with the first four years fully guaranteed.
Ezekiel Elliott Rookie Season
Elliott’s 2016 rookie season remains one of the strongest debut campaigns by an NFL running back. He played 15 games and rushed 322 times for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also caught 32 passes for 363 yards and one touchdown. His 1,631 rushing yards led the NFL.
He was named a Pro Bowler and received major Rookie of the Year recognition. His partnership with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott helped Dallas finish the regular season with one of the NFL’s best records. Although the Cowboys ultimately lost to Green Bay in the divisional round, Elliott had already established himself as one of the league’s elite young running backs.
Ezekiel Elliott 2017 Season
Elliott’s second NFL season was affected by a suspension. He appeared in 10 games and recorded 983 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 269 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Despite playing only 10 games, he remained highly productive.
His suspension interrupted what might otherwise have been another 1,000-yard season. The experience also became an important part of the early chapters of his NFL career, demonstrating the challenges that can accompany fame and a massive professional contract.
Ezekiel Elliott 2018 Season
Elliott returned to a full-time role in 2018 and produced another outstanding season. He rushed for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns on 304 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He also recorded 77 receptions for 567 yards and three receiving touchdowns. His 1,434 rushing yards led the NFL.
This season showed that Elliott was more than a pure rushing specialist. His 77 receptions demonstrated his value as a receiving option, while his workload confirmed his importance to the Dallas offense.
Ezekiel Elliott 2019 Season
The 2019 season was another productive year. Elliott rushed for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also caught 54 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns. That performance helped justify the massive contract extension Dallas gave him.
In September 2019, Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in NFL history at that time. Over The Cap records the agreement as a $90 million deal with a $15 million average annual value.
Ezekiel Elliott 2020 Season
The 2020 season was more difficult for Elliott and the Cowboys. He played 15 games and rushed for 979 yards and six touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry. He also recorded 52 receptions for 338 yards and two receiving touchdowns. His five lost fumbles were also a career-high.
The Cowboys experienced major problems that season, including injuries to important players. Although Elliott’s numbers dropped compared with his peak seasons, he remained one of the central pieces of the offense.
Ezekiel Elliott 2021 Season
Elliott returned to the 1,000-yard mark in 2021. He rushed for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns on 237 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt. He also caught 47 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns.
This was his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season. He also continued to demonstrate his ability to contribute in the passing game. However, his efficiency was beginning to decline compared with his spectacular early career.
Ezekiel Elliott 2022 Season
In 2022, Elliott played 15 games and rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. His average dropped to 3.8 yards per carry, while his receiving production also declined to 17 receptions for 92 yards.
The Cowboys increasingly used Tony Pollard in complementary and sometimes explosive roles. Elliott remained particularly useful around the goal line and in short-yardage situations. The season eventually became his final full campaign of his first Dallas stint.
Ezekiel Elliott With the New England Patriots
After Dallas released Elliott in 2023, he signed with the New England Patriots. The move represented a major change because Elliott was no longer the unquestioned centerpiece of an offense. During the 2023 season, he played 17 games and rushed for 642 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 51 passes for 313 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
His 3.5 yards-per-carry average was considerably lower than during his peak Dallas seasons. Nevertheless, he remained valuable as a veteran and was able to contribute as both a runner and receiver.
Ezekiel Elliott Returns to Dallas
Elliott returned to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 season. The reunion generated significant excitement among Cowboys fans because Elliott had become one of the most recognizable players in franchise history. However, his production was limited. He appeared in 15 games and rushed 74 times for 226 yards and three touchdowns, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. He also recorded 12 receptions for 69 yards.
Dallas released him late in the 2024 season. NFL.com reported that Elliott and the Cowboys mutually agreed to his release so that he could pursue a potential opportunity with a playoff team.
Ezekiel Elliott With the Los Angeles Chargers
In January 2025, Elliott joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. The move gave him an opportunity to potentially participate in the playoffs with a team competing for the postseason. The Chargers officially announced the addition, and head coach Jim Harbaugh welcomed the veteran running back.
Elliott’s Chargers practice-squad contract later expired. As of 2026, his last official NFL game action remains from the 2024 regular season with Dallas, while his 2025 Chargers stint was a practice-squad period rather than a full regular-season campaign.
Ezekiel Elliott Career Stats
Ezekiel Elliott finished his NFL career through the 2024 regular season with impressive overall numbers. According to NFL.com, his career totals are:
135 games
2,139 rushing attempts
9,130 rushing yards
4.3 yards per carry
74 rushing touchdowns
368 receptions
2,718 receiving yards
14 receiving touchdowns
25 total fumbles
13 lost fumbles
These numbers put Elliott among the most productive running backs of his generation. His career rushing total is especially notable because he achieved it in only nine NFL seasons.
Ezekiel Elliott Best Career Stats
Elliott’s career includes several outstanding statistical achievements. His best single-season rushing performance came in 2016 when he recorded 1,631 yards. His highest rushing touchdown total was also 15, achieved during his rookie campaign.
His best receiving season came in 2018, when he recorded 77 receptions for 567 yards and three receiving touchdowns. These numbers demonstrate why Elliott was considered one of the NFL’s most complete running backs during his prime.
Ezekiel Elliott Awards and Achievements
Elliott has received several major honors during his NFL career. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a First-Team All-Pro. He was also recognized as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 by major award organizations.
Most importantly, he led the NFL in rushing twice, in 2016 and 2018. Pro Football Reference lists him as a three-time Pro Bowler, one-time First-Team All-Pro, and 2016 PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year. His college career was also highly successful. At Ohio State, he helped the Buckeyes win the national championship during the 2014 season.
Ezekiel Elliott Career Earnings
Elliott’s professional earnings are one of the clearest indicators of his financial success. Over The Cap currently lists his career NFL earnings at approximately $75,852,027. His largest contract came from the Cowboys’ six-year, $90 million extension signed in 2019. The contract included significant guaranteed money and made Elliott one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
He also earned money from his rookie contract, his 2023 Patriots contract, his 2024 Cowboys contract, and his 2025 Chargers practice-squad deal. However, total contract value is not the same as money actually retained after taxes and expenses.
Ezekiel Elliott Endorsements and Business Income
NFL stars can earn significant money outside football. Elliott’s popularity made him a valuable figure for merchandise and licensing. Forbes previously reported that royalties and licensing represented a major portion of his off-field income and noted his strong position among NFL merchandise sellers.
Endorsement income can include advertising campaigns, sponsorships, apparel, licensing agreements, and promotional appearances. The exact value of Elliott’s current endorsement portfolio in 2026 is not publicly documented, so specific income claims should be treated cautiously.
Ezekiel Elliott Family
Ezekiel Elliott comes from an athletic family. His father, Stacy Elliott, was involved in sports and coaching, while his mother, Dawn Elliott, also had an athletic background. His parents supported his development as an athlete from an early age.
Elliott has generally kept many details of his family and private life away from the spotlight, although his football career has naturally made his family background a subject of public interest.
Ezekiel Elliott Personal Life
Elliott’s personal life has received substantial media attention throughout his career. However, not every claim published online about his relationships, family, finances, or lifestyle is verified. As a professional athlete with a large public profile, he has maintained a significant level of privacy regarding certain aspects of his life.
For a 2026 biography, it is more responsible to focus on his confirmed football career, public achievements, contracts, and officially documented statistics.
Ezekiel Elliott Legacy
Ezekiel Elliott’s legacy is closely tied to his dominant early years with the Dallas Cowboys. He became one of the league’s most feared running backs shortly after entering the NFL. His 2016 rookie campaign established a standard that few first-year running backs have matched.
Although his production declined during the later part of his career, his overall statistics remain impressive. Nine NFL seasons produced more than 9,000 rushing yards and 74 rushing touchdowns. That level of production places him among the most successful running backs of his era.
What Is Ezekiel Elliott Doing in 2026?
As of 2026, Elliott does not appear on the current NFL statistics as an active regular-season player. Pro Football Reference lists his last NFL game as coming in 2024, while his Chargers practice-squad contract expired.
That does not necessarily mean a formal retirement announcement has been made. At 31, he is still relatively young compared with the overall population of former NFL players, but running backs often experience shorter careers because of the physical demands of the position.
His future could therefore include another NFL opportunity, retirement, media work, business ventures, or other activities. Until Elliott or an NFL team confirms his next move, it is safest to describe him as a veteran running back whose latest NFL playing action came in 2024.
Ezekiel Elliott Career Success Story
Ezekiel Elliott’s career is a story of extraordinary early success followed by the natural challenges of longevity in professional football. He entered the NFL as the fourth overall pick and immediately led the league in rushing. He became a two-time rushing champion, three-time Pro Bowler, and one-time First-Team All-Pro.
He also earned a massive contract that placed him among the highest-paid running backs in football. Later in his career, his production declined, and he moved from Dallas to New England before returning to Dallas and eventually joining the Chargers’ practice squad. Despite the later decline, his overall accomplishments remain significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ezekiel Elliott in 2026?
Ezekiel Elliott is 31 years old in 2026. He was born on July 22, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri.
What is Ezekiel Elliott’s net worth in 2026?
Ezekiel Elliott’s net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $25–30 million in 2026, although there is no official public financial statement confirming his exact wealth. His documented NFL career earnings are approximately $75.85 million.
What are Ezekiel Elliott’s career stats?
Through the 2024 regular season, Elliott recorded 2,139 rushing attempts, 9,130 rushing yards, 74 rushing touchdowns, 368 receptions, 2,718 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns.
Is Ezekiel Elliott still playing in the NFL in 2026?
As of 2026, Elliott is not listed as an active regular-season NFL player. His latest regular-season action came with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, and he later spent time on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad in January 2025.
Which NFL teams has Ezekiel Elliott played for?
Ezekiel Elliott has played for the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots during regular-season NFL games. He also joined the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad in January 2025.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Elliott built one of the most recognizable running-back careers of the 2010s and early 2020s. From his national championship with Ohio State to becoming the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, his career developed quickly. He led the NFL in rushing twice, earned three Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor, and finished his regular-season career with 9,130 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns.
In 2026, Elliott’s latest NFL regular-season statistics remain those from his 2024 Dallas season, while his short 2025 Chargers practice-squad stint represents his most recent NFL affiliation. His estimated net worth of $25–30 million is not officially confirmed, but his approximately $75.85 million in documented NFL career earnings demonstrates the financial scale of his professional career. Whether he returns to the NFL or begins a new chapter outside football, Ezekiel Elliott’s impact as one of the most productive running backs of his generation is already firmly established.
