Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is taking a page out of LeBron James’ book, aggressively pleading for his critics to put some respect on his name.
Elliott has consistently put up solid numbers, rushing for 1,357 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns last season. It does help, however, that he plays on a team with tons of talent around him. The passing game helps open things up for Zeke on the ground.
And Zeke is also one of the most highest-paid running backs the league has ever seen, as he held out to eventually be awarded a six-year, $90 million contract extension last summer. Many didn’t agree with how he essentially forced the team into signing him, and understandably so.
That’s part of why Zeke has had some critics over the past year or so, as they feel he’s not the strong leader he’s paid to be. He had a message for them on Twitter this week — a few, actually.
Stats don’t tell the entire story. Elliott could be a bit more careful with his off-field behavior, and should probably set a better example as a veteran leader, rather than hosting a party during the initial spread of the coronavirus pandemic earlier in the year — when most of the country has sheltering in place.
Elliott can say what he wants, but the criticism is fair, and until he puts the team on his back and helps mount a deep playoff run, it will continue.
