Ezekiel Elliott
A powerhouse running back whose bruising, relentless style defined the Dallas Cowboys' offense for nearly a decade.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American football player·Birthday: July 22·Millennials
Biography
Ezekiel 'Zeke' Elliott ran the ball with a physical force that reshaped defenses. At Ohio State, his vision, power, and breakaway speed drove a national championship run, capped by a historic performance in the 2015 College Football Playoff. The Dallas Cowboys selected him fourth overall in 2016. He won the rushing title as a rookie behind a dominant offensive line, restoring a physical edge to a historic franchise. For years, Elliott defined the bell-cow role: a workhorse who gained tough yards, blocked with aggression, and broke long runs. His 'feed me' gesture signaled his importance. After three Pro Bowls in Dallas, his career moved through New England and back to the Cowboys, where he adapted to a supporting role. Elliott's legacy is that of a modern throwback, a player whose sustained physical dominance set the bar for his position.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ezekiel was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ezekiel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Ezekiel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NFL rushing title twice, in his rookie 2016 season and again in 2018.
- Earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2016 and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
- Was a central figure in Ohio State's 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship victory.
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his first five NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Did You Know?
He famously proposed to his longtime girlfriend by hiding the ring in a giant ice cream sundae.
In college, he majored in consumer and family financial services.
He has two beloved dogs, a Pomeranian named Ghost and a French Bulldog named Syn.
He led the NFL in rushing attempts per game for three consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2018.
“If you don't like to eat, get out of the kitchen. That's how I feel about running the ball.”
