The Rise And Fall of Ezekiel Elliott

At the age of only 27, he went from being one of the next faces of the NFL to not even wanted by his own team. Here’s the story of the rise and fall of Ezekiel Elliott.
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[@JTitus-pb7zo]

The Dudes fall is making millions of dollars a year. I wish I can fall like this dude

[@chancecrandall4829]

preach 😂😂😂😂

[@thenatureboytnb3540]

I wish I can fall into millions like zek

[@Foreign84]

Same lol

[@Cutthroat__]

Facts😂

[@banginzaza]

He probably lost his passion. Some players still play well after getting millions.

[@imianithink3690]

This is just how a RB’s life goes. I would love if Zeke played in his prime all the time, Zeke’s career so far is just an example of an RB’s life, short. I miss Zeke when he was in his prime.

[@tjdmt297]

Running backs used to last way longer than they do today. In an era where they were used way more.

[@AllThingsInfamous1]

I’m sure he misses his prime too.

[@JM-md4ri]

@@tjdmt297this 100%. Zeke got released at 27. Adrian Peterson rushed for 2097 yards and won mvp at 27.

[@kobecross3298]

​@@tjdmt297i keep telling all my friends this RBs used to last way longer back in the day. Not even that long ago too how old was lynch and gore when they retired? Leveon bell was only 26 when he left the steelers and fell off

[@diegoholley5593]

​@@kobecross3298Tod Gurley was another great back that didn't last long

[@Brad88ford]

NFL suspended him just cause they didn't want media backlash. He was electric for a few years. Not every back is like Emmitt Smith.

[@Jemuzu12]

Zeke's decline was due to most great running backs - usage. I believe the decline portion of this video should've been focused on this, but it was missed completely. Zeke has the #1 most rushing attempts out of any active running back and has the #2 most yards. #2 and #1 in those same categories is Derrick Henry (same draft class), who has also seen a drastic decrease in efficiency. Zeke was the rushing leader in 2 separate seasons, a feat only a handful of players have achieved. He played through injuries his last couple of seasons in Dallas where people started calling him washed. Without zeke's brute force running to tire out defenses, Pollard's production has dropped (although this could also be due to a change in play calling and Pollard's injury as well). His pass blocking is definitely being missed this year. I wish him the best in New England.

[@madmike617]

Finally someone who really understands why Zeke declined. It wasn’t the money it was his body that betrayed him.

[@zzirfamo24]

Derrick Henry still averages many yards and TD’s tho. Zeke don’t

[@zzirfamo24]

@@madmike617that’s all….. every single NFL player not just him. That’s no excuse, many RB’s get used like him and still playing and good

[@jake.p13]

very tru. people act like they understand every player. not everyone is the same. some people’s bodies get worn and torn faster and zeke was carrying so much his first 3 seasons. i remember even people saying jerry has to stop over carrying him. yes player run in the 30’s and almost to 35-40 but everyone’s different. zeke’s body got worn out and it’s obvious.

[@RaoVenu]

This is why 49er fans are literally begging Kyle to rest CMC

[@j.brendenstookey3437]

Giving Zeke a 6-year extension was the single dumbest contract move I’ve ever seen. Luckily, it was one of the death nails in the RB market’s coffin. Never again will you see a RB get a massive, long extension at the end of their rookie contract. Zeke was a generational talent, loved that dude, but how could we run him into the dirt and expect that he would maintain his performance for 6-years after his rookie deal? The first year after his contract was signed he was already a shell of the player he once was.

[@EHou01]

It's all on Jerry Jones.

[@NinjaDanielSan]

"single dumbest contract move"? Bobby Bonilla!

[@jake.p13]

exactly. body got worn out. not every player is the same. people act like they know everyone’s mental and body. imagine getting hit by 250-350 lb players and being ran like crazy his first 3 yrs in. his body gave out and it was clear as day.

[@lewisgraham9117]

That’s every player now days making demands asking for a sh*t ton of money and after all that just to go down hill just look at Deshaun Watson…

[@kt0880]

he was not a generational running back, Saquon Barkley could’ve been a generational running back

[@nevergonnabesilent]

If Zeke retired tomorrow, he has nothing to hold his head down about. He had a fantastic career. Over 8k yard rushing and over 60 rushing TDs. He's no hall of famer, but not many backs can say that.

[@gregm599]

Yes he is a hall of famer

[@nevergonnabesilent]

I wish, but neither you nor I have a vote@@gregm599

[@Babyboy760_]

@@gregm599that’s like saying Tim Tebow is a hall of famer

[@gregm599]

@@Babyboy760_ not really he’s a 2x rushing champion extremely rare for that to happen the hall of fame is getting weaker so he would get in eventually

[@keninhb2196]

@@gregm599 Sure he is, just like Ray Rice. Ray and Zeke have a lot in common actually.

[@tangoalpha94]

It’s crazy how running backs just kind of fade away like that. I forgot all about him tbh.

[@tbees8378]

Totally 👍🏾

[@maskassmario321]

Playing Running back is the worst position in the NFL. It's dangerous and badly paid for NFL standards.

[@lewisgraham9117]

Will Dallas is known for making RB’s but as soon they leave the team they’re irrelevant 🥲

[@SeanJohn127]

​@@maskassmario321yea, making millions at a position that has a 3 year peak is sooo horrible

[@trickster8764]

How does this channel not have HUNDREDS of thousands of subscribers yet?! My god, just these few videos you've put out are killer, and super entertaining! Keep up the excellent work, I can't wait to see what's more to come!

[@larrylitmanen9877]

He is a running back, NFL players have short careers and RBs have very short careers. So he did not fall, he just got old. He had a good career, nothing to cry about.

[@sadsciuidae3425]

Correct ... nothing here to cry about

[@BeachbaIICS]

But he should have retired a cowboy

[@KEESO239]

There's alot of running backs who lasted alot longer back in the day with more carries. His decline was too soon. Right after he got paid his production plummeted

[@sadsciuidae3425]

seems many lose production after big contracts@@KEESO239

[@steviesly7908]

True and got paid!

[@andywalex]

Zeke demanded a new contract worth more money because RBs have a short shelf-life; the reason Zeke should have never been given that huge contract that crippled the team's ability to spend on other players... RBs have a short shelf-life. Unfortunately once a RB has any kind of ACL or MCL injury, they are never as good as they were before the injury, so I don't think Pollard will be the starting RB beyond this season.

[@user-ct4im4nd6r]

He didn’t get what he wanted cause he wasn’t producing I agree that you have to have an offensive line but when Pollard was doing better than Zeke what do you expect This year they wanted to run more and haven’t When they are able to run you see both running backs doing well When Emmitt was here we needed either 100 plus yards rushing or 20 or touches and we won That was the formula

[@nysaxman]

I don't think he fell. He just got old. An old running back in the NFL is a journeyman, at best. He had a good NFL career (with the Cowboys, of course). So he has nothing to be ashamed of.

[@scott4482]

Let's be real, most running backs only survive 4 or 5 years in the NFL before they're used up.

[@hunterwright4366]

hey I'm a cowboys fan and I'm so frickin happy for him getting picked up by NE and finally getting a tiny bit of success last game! So happy for him, it's gotta be rough being amazing and loved by all, and then having a bad season or 2 and nobody wants you. Glad he can still score touchdowns.

[@hunterwright4366]

Just wanted to add after watching the full video - Last year we used him specifically for short down 3rd and 1 plays, and punching in a touchdown. So the play calling was extremely different between Pollard and Elliot. Both of them still rock though!

[@careful.]

hes unironically playing well and just not being used enough this year and the oline is ass

[@canyonero2050]

Yeh, man, I agree. It must be so tough to get a 90 million dollar contract to be glorified pass blocker and run the ball only 8-10x per game. Cracks me up when people feel sorry for these overpaid, overhyped, egomaniac athletes.

[@trevoncox2925]

As a cowboys fan this hurts 😢

[@TenGreenRangers]

What hurts? Zeke is a quitter .. He got the big $$ contract and like a Union worker.. tried to see how little he could do and still get his money. Zeke is not Emmitt Smith or Walter Payton.. who carried the ball much more and didn't quit when they got paid.

[@trevoncox2925]

@@TenGreenRangers I agree it was just sad that’s all I thought he would last longer

[@dallaspac4791]

Why if he wasn't playing the same lol

[@trevoncox2925]

@@dallaspac4791 he was so fun to watch it was sad how fast he fell off

[@johnr.7906]

I feel like he let himself get out of shape a little bit. A little heavier and a step slower, but what do I know? He's still an incredible athlete, a multi-millionaire and only 27. Hope he turns it around if that's what he wants to do....

[@joeyAP200k]

"You dont block you dont get the ball" idk who told me that but i been screaming it at my madden team since forever😂😂

[@andrewojeda7533]

It was never about the love of the game for zeke, like most nfl players it about getting paid, once they get paid u never hear from they again!!!

[@carrollbridges9341]

Zeke's attitude is what got him out. Zeke got his big pay day and quit and did nothing after on the field

[@DeeDaKaang1]

😪 As a lifetime Dallas Cowboys fan, I'm extremely sad about Zeke not retiring a Cowboy

[@fs_dave]

He hasn't retired yet. Jerry does some kooky things for players he loves.

[@Happynewyear1970]

@@fs_dave totally agree!!! I know Zeke will come back💪

[@waltt69]

I think he still has a few miles left, he just needs a really good off-season that gets his mind and body where they both need to be. I hope he is able to make a comeback and close out his career on a high note.

[@SoyMarX13]

nah bro, theres no turning back, rbs like zeke aint meant to last a long time

[@OftnCghn]

Hey Amazing people. Can you do like a series of list of the best current or past players of each position? Please

[@TheLaundryGuy32]

Dude should just take his money and enjoy the good life.

[@MrDadala1]

Just look at his numbers before and after the big contract. Always played behind a very good passing game. No excuses. Money softened him.

[@KansasFarmer620]

Facts and I'm a cowboys fan

[@stldweller]

nothing to do with money, Running backs have short careers. 5 years with year 3 the peak , then the decline.

[@scottsimpkins5666]

welp this aged well!!! Welcome back zeke!!!!!

[@BemineMjb12]

Miss you in Big D, Zeke. He played with injury his last season with Dallas.

[@detangojet]

Guy is such a clown, Pats are down 14 late in the game and he’s doing his first down point for the camera.

[@MrDCMiami]

The part about his lineage and youth was quite fascinating. I did not know that. He looks just like his mother.

[@canyonero2050]

He looks just like an ewok

[@raulrodriguez4006]

Not everyone can be a Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith or Thurman Thomas.

[@JRams-ix6bt]

Marshall Faulk

[@ramal5708]

The guy was paid first instead of his QB in Dallas, not going into a full length of his rookie contract before paying the big contract was a mistake, another one of those Jerry's L

[@frankieallen0]

I still miss this man playing for my Cowboys. I enjoyed every piece of his time in Dallas, even though his numbers kept falling. We couldn’t just keep paying him, but I still miss him.

[@willg1083]

He is still in the league, RB’s in today’s game don’t have long life, so him still playing is quite a fall.

[@tayewatson6754]

I don’t think this is really a good and fare estimate of his career for the first 4 years he was the Cowboys offense they literally wore him out and didn’t surround the team with better players to spread out the offense so he’s not taking a 100 carries every game

[@secularargument]

He was getting paid to be worn out. It’s not like it wasn’t a fair deal. A stupid deal maybe, but fair.

[@Foreign84]

His biggest mistake was going to the Patriots! He should've just sat until a better team needed him

[@benliftin4awhile]

“The fall” Dude will never have to worry about food, money, survival, anything, nor his children. Let’s stop pretending that even failed superstars aren’t successful in some way.

[@necrophagiakc]

I'm a forever Vikings fan you should do one on Dalvin Cook next he's pretty much in the same situation after leaving us for The Jets

[@Cutthroat__]

He not even playing with the jets no more 😂

[@necrophagiakc]

@@Cutthroat__ really lmfao he's on the team just bench riding

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, Here is The True Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER (Genesis 1) HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@Seven-_-Doves]

They lose that hunger once they get paid the huge amount that they get and most players nowadays fall out of love of the game and lose the passion

[@chriskim4731]

Like i always say, if u play for dallas cowboy's, you are going to get more hype than what you perform on the field. Once you leave dallas, that player will get a lot less hype cuz you are not playing for dallas cowboys. Plain and sample

[@domfortune1558]

He's like Samson, he fell off after he cut his hair!!!!! 😂

[@wanyangchen9784]

I have a Zeke signed jersey that I won as a prize. Miss watching him and Dak on the field honestly.

[@blazeforprez]

Zekes still a solid rb he just spoiled everyone his first 3 years

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

There's a good reason they call the NFL the Not For Long league. The average career for an NFL running back is 2.57 years. The amount of physical abuse they take surpasses anybody else on the field. Zeke was an incredible player and about as good as anybody I've seen when he was in his prime. As a lifelong Cowboys fans it was fun to watch him play and it's too bad he's not in his prime right now as they have a team that at least is in the conversation once the playoffs start.

[@Whitegorillaboy]

Centers take the greatest degree of physical abuse of all footballers, followed by running backs.

[@joeldriver-sp2rg]

@@Whitegorillaboy No chance. They're just blocking guys which isn't a violent collision. Running backs get hammered and tackled to the ground sometimes over 20 times per game.

[@Whitegorillaboy]

@@joeldriver-sp2rg You're wrong. This fact was established and publicized during the autopsy and additional research done on the physical damage suffered by retired Pittsburgh Steeler center Mike Webster. Go read about it in the numerous articles and books published since Webster's death, autopsy, and legal proceedings regarding him.

[@jonathanrife-rs7sf]

Ezekiel Elliot still has a chance to rebound and have a decent season with Cowboys. I say 537 yds 3 tds rushing

[@DwayneIsK1NG]

Acho: "Zeke is a First Team name with Second Team game" One of the most accurate things I've ever heard 😭

[@gsentinel4821]

Man, its amazing how many great college football players fail to see the importance of attaining that college degree - It's already paid for and you have no idea of any guaranteed success in the NFL . As a lifelong Dallas fan I've always liked Elliot and I wish him well in the future.

[@8kayydub8]

Fuck college chase your dream and get that bag. College ain't goin nowhere.

[@DubzBoyz30214]

As a Cowboys fan it's just sad man seeing one of my favorite players who was once one of the most exciting players to watch, and if you're a Cowboy hater you don't understand man, after his pay day that didn't mean he just automatically gave up, it was just that he put his body on the line for this team, it was just the typical life of a RB, he took so many hard hits in his career, he was a physical back, and he was a tremendous blocker, and I believe all of that is what lead to his decent. But really tho it truly is sad to see a player who has a gift from God to explode and showout in front in the league to later in your career to the point where your body is just telling you it's time. I miss you Zeke 😢

[@Happynewyear1970]

Miss you Zeke!!!!! 💪💪

[@PhilW7670]

I loved Zeke and I agree that he took a lot of hits. But he was also irresponsible and immature and he didn't take care of himself as he should have. It was a running joke among players from other teams that Zeke was showing up overweight every season after 2017. As little as 5 to 10 lbs can make a huge difference in speed and agility for an athlete at that level. Zeke was a kid having fun who thought the good times would never end. There's a reason why guys like Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, and Tom Brady have the long careers they had, and it isn't because they have a lot more ability than other guys. It's because they understand that, at the NFL level, it is more about work and commitment. The guys with loads of natural ability but very little work ethic have always been a flash-in-the-pan in the NFL. Sadly, that defines Zeke. He was great for a few years and then faded into the pack.

[@user-zp4xp3hq8i]

Defenses hesitated to tackle him his rookie year he was a perfect combination of power, vision, and quickness.

[@Happynewyear1970]

Like what Michael Irvin said the other day to Cowboy Pollard. You got to be like Zeke and bring in the Thunder !!!!!! ⛈️

[@mariocoronado3110]

Can you do the ride and fall off the blitz youtube channel?

[@velvetvel9763]

Love you zeke! CBFL....

[@freshnorthwest6756]

the whole idea of "if you work really hard you can achieve anything" is complete at utter nonsense, players like Zeke are proof that genetics play a much bigger role. There will always be a couple guys that succeed due to hard work but most of them are naturally gifted and its stupid to think otherwise.

[@Whitegorillaboy]

He's either lost his ability to injury or poor training habits. If he started declining at 27, he played six years in top form beforehand, which is uncommon for the average NFL running back, who performs under four years. If he doesn't regain his former status, he's still had a successful NFL career.

[@bernandoturner4840]

Retired After the Big Contract Signing..😄

[@blakebrown84]

Ezekiel Elliott was a complete back in his prime. Too bad, the Cowboys had to let him go.

[@busalove2013]

Zeke's problem is that he came from a school (Ohio State) whose players are always overrated!

[@Mr.Atlanta850]

🎯 You know why, they don't play NOBODY.

[@cheesegrater231]

When you begin to look like a clown, you become a clown.

[@christianjzani]

Like every RB your shelf life is limited. Same reason Barry Sanders left when he did. My only beef with Zeke was his inconsistency and when he was needed for bid plays, especially in the PO… but I could say that about the cowboys for the last 20+ years

[@elite4championjosh]

Cowboys fan, do one for the whole front office, Dak, and coaching Staff.

[@Golfing422]

In a spread offense, a rb is a sitting duck most of the time. They take a much bigger beating with fewer blockers.

[@c.j.1089]

Elliot wasn't a flash in the pan and it wasn't a couple of down years. Ezekiel Elliot is a typical running back with a typical running back career length. These are not WR's, QB's or TE. They are RB's, and their life is very short in the league.

[@luisvilla799]

That noise ring told me he didn’t want it

[@Samuel-I]

About 3-4 year shelf life on RBs these days. You’d think it’d be much longer since it’s morphed into a pass dominant sport.

[@catharticwicks]

There’s a decent chance that Zeke will retire with 10,000 rushing yards. With that it mind, the media and many fans have been ruthless in the discussion of Zeke’s capabilities and legacy.

[@KManXPressTheU]

He was the Only Rookie since Jim Brown to be Voted NFL MVP in 2016...It all went downhill from There..

[@talos2373]

Mr. Elliott I want to thank you for ALL you accomplished on the field as a Dallas Cowboy. Best wishes in whatever it is you do or have done since.

[@Mimek442]

I saw him play (and lose) to my highschool his senior year in the MO state championship

[@multiyapples]

Please cover Joe Flacco.

[@user-qd2yc3jq3w]

I think Ezekiel wasn’t focused on football 1st he didn’t have the maturity needed to help him make wise decisions taking to much for granted his personal life was more important than being a good football player 1st

[@kittybrowneye3163]

No one who wears a jersey like that and a nose ring doesn't have a lb of sugar in their tank

[@gbb82]

He was a good blocker at Dallas.

[@keiichi1]

Dallas misses zeke. Pollard has been ineffective since Zeke left.

[@Watermelon_Pope]

There’s a reason Emmitt Smith was so good. And 90 percent of it was his longevity. Emmitt didn’t get hit if he didn’t need to. Elliot would get hit A LOT.

[@amahana6188]

For a RB, he had a great career. The vast majority don’t break 1k yards in a season, much less lead the league…twice. When stacked up again at the all time greats…yeah, he def isn’t even in the room. But the dude had an above average career.

[@DadsBoyz]

8:42, the brother lost his conditioning. He still has good years left, just got to have that hunger and conditioning…that brings the confidence back.

[@King_David_97]

Hopefully Zeke plays well this week. Earn him a contract on the Cowboys for next year.

[@sandyscheeks9624]

2:50 who was the Running back ahead of Zeke that left??

[@brandonbarker6009]

He wasn't as hungry after the contract. We slowly watched as he dwindled in effort.

[@tamezjohn4805]

With all that money I'd be training like hell everyday. So I make sure I the best damn running back in the NFL

[@obsidian00]

The Life Expectancy for RBs in the NFL is about 5 years so this was to be expected...at least he made sure to get PAID before his fall off.

[@ronbo30]

Soon as zeke got that huge contract in Dallas. His numbers went down, he got what he wanted,

[@MrOccyc]

Hope he saved his money……

[@justincarrizales1206]

Fax. Or atleast made some solid investment. Because he won’t last long in the league.

[@CA_88]

The fact that zeke is still in the nfl is amazing but hey Jimmy G is ruining the raiders and I’m happy

[@obnobb]

Ever since this video was released he’s been playing better

[@theonewhoknocks2809]

I think it’s just comes down to he was a running back and the wear and tear took some explosiveness away.

[@user-jm1dx3jn1n]

I believe that zeke was only washed for a certan amount of time but when he came to new england he prooved the nfl that he still got that running juice in him

[@prestonmoultry356]

Every non QB that got paid a ridiculous contract always fizzles out

[@fearlessmdog23]

After he had fantastic first season as a rookie, the next year he gets suspended for 6 games on some BS allegations that were never proved true. That was the biggest hurdle in his career IMO. He had all the momentum going into the new season and then the NFL decided to step in and play their game. Very unfortunate

[@freeworld2275]

He doesn't have good vision, he runs right into defenders

[@captainchaosxx3866]

I never called for Pollard to be the feature back... i wanted a fullback a real fullback not McGovern. Hope Zeke comes back to dallas because Pollard cant block.

[@juicymedina5069]

bros honestly doing a lot better on the patriots

[@1solosoldier]

When they hold out of training camps most never come back the same again after getting the larger contract

[@bigmaneastside]

At least he went to a team with more Superbowl rings

[@toddinthemiddle]

TF? You can't even spell Super Bowl. And that team is now in the toilet bowl, like they were before all of the bandwagon fans hopped on.

[@jimmycline4778]

Getting rid of him was stupid, now Tony Pollard is struggling a little, these two were good together a one two punch! We need him this year to a allready high potent offense!

[@cathyleatherman3097]

But he just wanted too much money to stay a Cowboy

[@Nicefoolkilla]

Whose that guy that does the eating motion after doing something spectacular?

[@timweaver835]

That's why you never give anyone "the big deal" they change.

[@karllieck9064]

Always preferred Pollard. He's a faster, more dangetous RB than Zeke ever was.

[@JackycClark]

Zeke didn't fall . The Cowboys used him the f . . . up . Glad he held out and got paid after his rookie contract .

[@felipeaps2057]

Also some of his successful is due to his excellent o-line, almost anyone can run with an o-line like that

[@EHou01]

Average lifespan of a RB is 4 years. NEVER sign a RB to a 2nd contract. Draft them and chew them up. Tony Pollard has proven that he's not a starting RB either.

[@markrouse2416]

A certain owner should of done more in the way of hiring a good head coach.

[@ZenBerryz]

its sad man I really like elliot as a person but his latest cowboys games he looked so tired and not much drive.

[@jorgebarbacarranza4423]

I will remeber him with his last play vs 49ers :)

[@Pomp76]

Zeke only became Zeke because he had the best O-Line for his prime. And that’s a fact.