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{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{current sports transaction|sport=american football|trans=signing}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Austin Ekeler
| name = Austin Ekeler
| image = Austin Ekeler (cropped).jpg
| image = Austin Ekeler (cropped).jpg
| caption = Ekeler with the Chargers in 2021
| caption = Ekeler with the [[Los Angeles Chargers]] in 2021
| current_team = Washington Commanders
| current_team = Los Angeles Chargers<!--DO NOT change to COMMANDERS until team announces signing per Wikipedia policy-->
| number = 30
| number = 30
| position = [[Running back]]
| position = [[Running back]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|17}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|17}}
| birth_place = [[Lincoln, Nebraska]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Lincoln, Nebraska]], U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bobby |date=May 6, 2017 |title=From Friday night lights to a chance to shine on Sundays: Eaton's Austin Ekeler has used influence of mother, family, friends, community and skeptics to realize his NFL dream |url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/2017/05/06/from-friday-night-lights-to-a-chance-to-shine-on-sundays-eatons-austin-ekeler-has-used-influence-of-mother-family-friends-community-and-skeptics-to-realize-his-nfl-dream/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=GreeleyTribune.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
| height_ft = 5
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 10
| height_in = 10
| weight_lbs = 200
| weight_lbs = 200
| high_school = [[Eaton High School (Colorado)|Eaton]] <br> ([[Eaton, Colorado]])
| high_school = [[Eaton High School (Colorado)|Eaton]] ([[Eaton, Colorado]])
| college = [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]] (2013–2016)
| college = [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]] (2013–2016)
| undraftedyear = 2017
| undraftedyear = 2017
| pastteams =
| pastteams =
* [[Los Angeles Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|2017}}–present)
* [[Los Angeles Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|2017|2023}})
* [[Washington Commanders]] ({{NFL Year|2024}}–present)
| pastexecutive =
* [[FCF Wild Aces]] / [[FCF Shoulda Been Stars]] ([[2021 Fan Controlled Football season|2021]]–present)<br>Owner
| status = Active
| status = Active
| highlights =
| highlights =
* [[Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference|RMAC]] Offensive Freshman of the Year ([[2013 NCAA Division II football season|2013]])
* [[Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference|RMAC]] Offensive Freshman of the Year ([[2013 NCAA Division II football season|2013]])
* 4× First-team All-RMAC (2013–2016)
* 4× first-team All-RMAC (2013–2016)
| statweek =
| statweek =
| statseason = 2023
| statseason = 2023
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| pfr = EkelAu00
| pfr = EkelAu00
}}
}}
'''Austin Ekeler''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɛ|k|l|ər}} {{Respell|EHK|ler}};<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buccaneers vs. Chargers 2020 Game Notes |url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/buccaneers/g1lirtujwd4m8gdwn7lv |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> born May 17, 1995) is an [[American football]] [[running back]] for the [[Los Angeles Chargers]]<!--DO NOT change to COMMANDERS until team announces signing per Wikipedia policy--> of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Western Colorado Mountaineers]] and signed with the Chargers as an [[undrafted free agent]] in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bobby |date=April 29, 2017 |title=Eaton's Austin Ekeler signs NFL undrafted free agent deal with Los Angeles Chargers |url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/breaking-news-eatons-austin-ekeler-signs-nfl-undrafted-free-agent-deal-with-los-angeles-chargers/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=GreeleyTribune.com}}</ref>
'''Austin Ekeler''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɛ|k|l|ər}} {{Respell|EHK|ler}};<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buccaneers vs. Chargers 2020 Game Notes |url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/buccaneers/g1lirtujwd4m8gdwn7lv |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> born May 17, 1995) is an [[American football]] [[running back]] for the [[Washington Commanders]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Western Colorado Mountaineers]] and signed with the [[Los Angeles Chargers]] as an [[undrafted free agent]] in 2017.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Ekeler attended [[Eaton High School (Colorado)|Eaton High School]] in [[Eaton, Colorado]], where he played [[high school football]] for The Fightin' Reds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bobby |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Eaton's Austin Ekeler makes Los Angeles Chargers roster; Northern Colorado's Kyle Sloter released by Denver Broncos |url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/eatons-austin-ekeler-makes-los-angeles-chargers-roster-northern-colorados-kyle-sloter-released-by-denver-broncos/ |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=GreeleyTribune.com |language=en}}</ref> He was a four-year [[letterman sports|letterer]] and starter for the Fightin' Reds; despite being only 5'5 as a freshman, Ekeler rushed for 454 yards and 8 [[touchdown]]s on 70 carries. By the end of his career, Ekeler amassed 5,232 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns (39 of which came from his senior year alone) on 561 carries, averaging 9.15 yards-per-carry, with another 581 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler's (Eaton, CO) High School Football Stats |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/co/eaton/eaton-fightin-reds/athletes/austin-ekeler/football/stats/?careerid=idfpo5ogdr0k4 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=MaxPreps.com |language=en}}</ref>
Ekeler was born on May 17, 1995, in [[Lincoln, Nebraska]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bobby |date=May 6, 2017 |title=From Friday night lights to a chance to shine on Sundays: Eaton's Austin Ekeler has used influence of mother, family, friends, community and skeptics to realize his NFL dream |url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/2017/05/06/from-friday-night-lights-to-a-chance-to-shine-on-sundays-eatons-austin-ekeler-has-used-influence-of-mother-family-friends-community-and-skeptics-to-realize-his-nfl-dream/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=GreeleyTribune.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and attended [[Eaton High School (Colorado)|Eaton High School]] in [[Eaton, Colorado]], where he played [[high school football]] for The Fightin' Reds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Bobby |date=September 2, 2017 |title=Eaton's Austin Ekeler makes Los Angeles Chargers roster; Northern Colorado's Kyle Sloter released by Denver Broncos |url=https://www.greeleytribune.com/sports/eatons-austin-ekeler-makes-los-angeles-chargers-roster-northern-colorados-kyle-sloter-released-by-denver-broncos/ |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=GreeleyTribune.com |language=en}}</ref> He was a four-year [[letterman sports|letterer]] and starter for the Fightin' Reds; despite being only 5'5 as a freshman, Ekeler rushed for 454 yards and 8 [[touchdown]]s on 70 carries. By the end of his career, Ekeler amassed 5,232 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns (39 of which came from his senior year alone) on 561 carries, averaging 9.15 yards-per-carry, with another 581 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler's (Eaton, CO) High School Football Stats |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/co/eaton/eaton-fightin-reds/athletes/austin-ekeler/football/stats/?careerid=idfpo5ogdr0k4 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=MaxPreps.com |language=en}}</ref>


Despite this performance, Ekeler was a zero-star recruit who saw practically no interest from any [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] school. [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]] recruited him but never offered him a scholarship, and his only scholarship offers came from [[Adams State University|Adams State]], [[Chadron State College|Chadron State]], [[Oklahoma Panhandle State University|Oklahoma Panhandle State]], and [[Western Colorado University|Western Colorado]]. However, the first three universities wanted to switch him to the defensive side of the ball; Western Colorado was the only school to offer him at the tailback position.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=June 5, 2020 |title=Austin Ekeler's Underdog Story Is Complete . . . Almost |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/05/austin-ekeler-ultimate-underdog-story |access-date=July 24, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
Despite this performance, Ekeler was a zero-star recruit who saw practically no interest from any [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] school. [[Wyoming Cowboys football|Wyoming]] recruited him but never offered him a scholarship, and his only scholarship offers came from [[Adams State University|Adams State]], [[Chadron State College|Chadron State]], [[Oklahoma Panhandle State University|Oklahoma Panhandle State]], and [[Western Colorado University|Western Colorado]]. However, the first three universities wanted to switch him to the defensive side of the ball; Western Colorado was the only school to offer him at the tailback position.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=June 5, 2020 |title=Austin Ekeler's Underdog Story Is Complete . . . Almost |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/06/05/austin-ekeler-ultimate-underdog-story |access-date=July 24, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
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As a freshman, Ekeler started nine games. He led the team with 1,049 rushing yards to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. As a sophomore, he had 14 rushing touchdowns and set school records with 1,676 rushing yards, 2,093 total all-purpose yards, and 190.3 all-purpose yards per game. As a junior, he had 19 rushing touchdowns and led Division II in all-purpose yards per game with 203.9 and scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler – 2016 Football |url=http://www.gomountaineers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3879 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Western State Athletics |language=en}}</ref> As a senior, he had 1,495 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler: Stats & Rankings, Western State RB |url=https://herosports.com/colleges/team-player-stats/austin-ekeler |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=herosports.com |language=en-us}}</ref>
As a freshman, Ekeler started nine games. He led the team with 1,049 rushing yards to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. As a sophomore, he had 14 rushing touchdowns and set school records with 1,676 rushing yards, 2,093 total all-purpose yards, and 190.3 all-purpose yards per game. As a junior, he had 19 rushing touchdowns and led Division II in all-purpose yards per game with 203.9 and scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler – 2016 Football |url=http://www.gomountaineers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3879 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Western State Athletics |language=en}}</ref> As a senior, he had 1,495 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler: Stats & Rankings, Western State RB |url=https://herosports.com/colleges/team-player-stats/austin-ekeler |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=herosports.com |language=en-us}}</ref>


=== College statistics ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|+ College statistics
! rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="5"| Rushing
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! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD
! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD
|-
|-
! 2013 !! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]]
! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|2013]]
| 9 || 182 || 1,049 || 5.8 || 71 || 7 || 27 || 260 || 5.9 || 28 || 1
| 9 || 182 || 1,049 || 5.8 || 71 || 7 || 27 || 260 || 5.9 || 28 || 1
|-
|-
! 2014 !! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]]
! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|2014]]
| '''11''' || '''298''' || '''1,676''' || 5.6 || 82 || 14 || '''38''' || '''417''' || 10.9 || 47 || 2
| '''11''' || '''298''' || '''1,676''' || 5.6 || 82 || 14 || '''38''' || '''417''' || 10.9 || 47 || 2
|-
|-
! 2015 !! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]]
! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|2015]]
| 10 || 227 || 1,637 || '''7.2''' || 83 || '''19''' || 32 || 402 || 12.5 || '''85''' || 2
| 10 || 227 || 1,637 || '''7.2''' || 83 || '''19''' || 32 || 402 || 12.5 || '''85''' || 2
|-
|-
! 2016 !! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|Western Colorado]]
! [[Western Colorado Mountaineers|2016]]
| 10 || 232 || 1,495 || 6.4 || '''88''' || 15 || 18 || 236 || '''13.1''' || 48 || '''3'''
| 10 || 232 || 1,495 || 6.4 || '''88''' || 15 || 18 || 236 || '''13.1''' || 48 || '''3'''
|-
|-
! colspan="2"| Career !! 40 !! 939 !! 5,857 !! 6.2 !! 88 !! 55 !! 115 !! 1,315 !! 11.4 !! 85 !! 8
! Career !! 40 !! 939 !! 5,857 !! 6.2 !! 88 !! 55 !! 115 !! 1,315 !! 11.4 !! 85 !! 8
|}
|}


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| note = All values from [[Pro Day]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Pro day results: Oklahoma, Colorado, Temple, Kentucky |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pro-day-results-oklahoma-colorado-temple-kentucky-0ap3000000792032 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/players/_/letter/e/year/2017 |title=2017 NFL Draft Prospects – Last Name E |website=insider.espn.com |access-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Scout Austin Ekeler College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=130508&DraftYear=2017 |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}</ref>
| note = All values from [[Pro Day]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Pro day results: Oklahoma, Colorado, Temple, Kentucky |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pro-day-results-oklahoma-colorado-temple-kentucky-0ap3000000792032 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/players/_/letter/e/year/2017 |title=2017 NFL Draft Prospects – Last Name E |website=insider.espn.com |access-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Scout Austin Ekeler College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=130508&DraftYear=2017 |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}</ref>
}}
}}
===Los Angeles Chargers===

===2017===
====2017====
Ekeler signed a three-year, $1.66&nbsp;million contract that includes a $5,000 signing bonus with the [[Los Angeles Chargers]] as an undrafted free agent following the [[2017 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henne |first=Ricky |date=May 1, 2017 |title=Chargers Agree to Terms with 15 Undrafted Free Agents |url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/04/29/chargers-agree-terms-15-undrafted-free-agents |access-date=September 6, 2017 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref>
Ekeler signed a three-year, $1.66&nbsp;million contract that includes a $5,000 signing bonus with the [[Los Angeles Chargers]] as an undrafted free agent following the [[2017 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henne |first=Ricky |date=May 1, 2017 |title=Chargers Agree to Terms with 15 Undrafted Free Agents |url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/04/29/chargers-agree-terms-15-undrafted-free-agents |access-date=September 6, 2017 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref>


In the season opening 24–21 loss to the [[Denver Broncos]] on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', Ekeler had two [[football catch|receptions]] for 18 yards in his NFL debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 11th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709110den.htm |access-date=October 7, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> In Week 4, against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], he had his first career touchdown, a 35-yard rush, on his first NFL carry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers – October 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010sdg.htm |access-date=November 5, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 12, against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], he had 10 carries for 42 yards to go along with five receptions for 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 12th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711120jax.htm |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, he finished his rookie season with 260 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 279 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
In the season opening 24–21 loss to the [[Denver Broncos]] on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', Ekeler had two [[football catch|receptions]] for 18 yards in his NFL debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – September 11th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709110den.htm |access-date=October 7, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> In Week 4, against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], he had his first career touchdown, a 35-yard rush, on his first NFL carry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers – October 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010sdg.htm |access-date=November 5, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 12, against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], he had 10 carries for 42 yards to go along with five receptions for 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 12th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711120jax.htm |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, he finished his rookie season with 260 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 279 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


===2018===
====2018====
In the 2018 season opener against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Ekeler had 39 rushing yards to go along with five receptions for 87 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 38–28 loss.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Gains 126 yards from scrimmage |language=en |work=CBSSports.com |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-gains-126-yards-from-scrimmage/ |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> He scored a receiving touchdown in Weeks 4 and 5 against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Geoffrey C. |date=September 30, 2018 |title=Los Angeles Chargers squeeze past the San Francisco 49ers: Game recap, score, stats |language=en-US |work=OregonLive.com |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2018/09/san_francisco_49ers_vs_los_ang_4.html |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Reedy |first=Joe |date=October 8, 2018 |title=Rivers throws for 339 yards, 2 TDs as Chargers beat Raiders |work=AP NEWS |url=https://www.apnews.com/ece0565e18af4a48960df8257b9e664c |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> In Week 14, against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], he aggravated a neck injury, which sidelined him for two games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2018 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Aggravates neck injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-aggravates-neck-injury/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> He returned for the regular season finale against the Broncos and scored a rushing touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – December 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812300den.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2018 season, he finished with 554 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 39 receptions, 404 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Chargers earned the #5-seed for the AFC Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Los Angeles Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2018.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: Los Angeles Chargers 23, Baltimore Ravens 17|Wild Card Round]] against the [[Baltimore Ravens]], he had 43 scrimmage yards in the 23–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens – January 6th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901060rav.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: New England Patriots 41, Los Angeles Chargers 28|Divisional Round]] against the [[New England Patriots]], he had three receptions for 19 yards in the 41–28 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901130nwe.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
In the 2018 season opener against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], Ekeler had 39 rushing yards to go along with five receptions for 87 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 38–28 loss.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Gains 126 yards from scrimmage |language=en |work=CBSSports.com |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-gains-126-yards-from-scrimmage/ |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> He scored a receiving touchdown in Weeks 4 and 5 against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Geoffrey C. |date=September 30, 2018 |title=Los Angeles Chargers squeeze past the San Francisco 49ers: Game recap, score, stats |language=en-US |work=OregonLive.com |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/index.ssf/2018/09/san_francisco_49ers_vs_los_ang_4.html |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Reedy |first=Joe |date=October 8, 2018 |title=Rivers throws for 339 yards, 2 TDs as Chargers beat Raiders |work=AP NEWS |url=https://www.apnews.com/ece0565e18af4a48960df8257b9e664c |access-date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> In Week 14, against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], he aggravated a neck injury, which sidelined him for two games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2018 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Aggravates neck injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-aggravates-neck-injury/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> He returned for the regular season finale against the Broncos and scored a rushing touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos – December 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812300den.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Overall, in the 2018 season, he finished with 554 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 39 receptions, 404 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Chargers earned the #5-seed for the AFC Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Los Angeles Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2018.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: Los Angeles Chargers 23, Baltimore Ravens 17|Wild Card Round]] against the [[Baltimore Ravens]], he had 43 scrimmage yards in the 23–17 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens – January 6th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901060rav.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: New England Patriots 41, Los Angeles Chargers 28|Divisional Round]] against the [[New England Patriots]], he had three receptions for 19 yards in the 41–28 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – January 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901130nwe.htm |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


===2019===
====2019====
Ekeler began the season as the starter while [[Melvin Gordon]] was in a contract dispute. In Week 1, Ekeler rushed 12 times for 58 yards and the game-winning touchdown, in addition to catching six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the 30–24 overtime win over the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Austin Ekeler does Melvin Gordon imitation, meaning Chargers don't miss holdout back |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2019-09-08/austin-ekeler-does-melvin-gordon-imitation-chargers-colts-nfl |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Ekeler scores 3 TDs in Chargers 30–24 OT win over Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127972 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 2 against the [[Detroit Lions]], he rushed 17 times for 66 yards and a touchdown with additional work in the receiving game, recording six receptions for 67 in the team's 10–13 loss to the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Detroit Lions – September 15th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201909150det.htm |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 3 against the [[Houston Texans]], Ekeler rushed nine times for 36 yards and caught seven receptions for 45 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Chargers Austin Ekeler Slowed Down by Texans |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-slowed-down-by-texans/ |access-date=September 23, 2019 |website=www.cbssports.com}}</ref> In Week 4 against the [[Miami Dolphins]], Ekeler rushed 18 times for 60 yards and one touchdown and caught five passes for 62 yards and one touchdown in the 30–10 win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Long time coming: Rivers, Chargers beat Dolphins, 30–10 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128055 |access-date=September 29, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 7 against the [[Tennessee Titans]], Ekeler had only seven rushing yards but had 118 receiving yards as the Chargers lost 20–23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Casey recovers fumble, Titans hold off Chargers' rally 23–20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127979 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 11 against the Chiefs on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', Ekeler rushed five times for 24 yards and caught eight passes for 108 yards in the 24–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2019 |title=Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Chargers 24–17 in Mexico City |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128134 |access-date=November 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 14 against the Jaguars, Ekeler finished with 101 rushing yards on just eight carries, with four receptions for 112 receiving yards, and a touchdown as the Chargers won 45–10.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Chargers end skid, hand Jaguars 5th straight lopsided loss |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127997 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was the sixth player ever, and the first since [[Herschel Walker]] in 1986, to average over 10 yards per carry and reception in a 100/100 game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fischman |first=Joshua |date=December 9, 2019 |title=By the Numbers: Austin Ekeler Joins 100–100 Club on 12 Touches |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-joins-100-100-club-by-the-numbers |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Overall, he finished the 2019 season with 557 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 92 receptions for 993 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 6, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
Ekeler began the season as the starter while [[Melvin Gordon]] was in a contract dispute. In Week 1, Ekeler rushed 12 times for 58 yards and the game-winning touchdown, in addition to catching six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the 30–24 overtime win over the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Austin Ekeler does Melvin Gordon imitation, meaning Chargers don't miss holdout back |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2019-09-08/austin-ekeler-does-melvin-gordon-imitation-chargers-colts-nfl |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Ekeler scores 3 TDs in Chargers 30–24 OT win over Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127972 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 2 against the [[Detroit Lions]], he rushed 17 times for 66 yards and a touchdown with additional work in the receiving game, recording six receptions for 67 in the team's 10–13 loss to the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Detroit Lions – September 15th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201909150det.htm |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 3 against the [[Houston Texans]], Ekeler rushed nine times for 36 yards and caught seven receptions for 45 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Chargers Austin Ekeler Slowed Down by Texans |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-slowed-down-by-texans/ |access-date=September 23, 2019 |website=www.cbssports.com}}</ref> In Week 4 against the [[Miami Dolphins]], Ekeler rushed 18 times for 60 yards and one touchdown and caught five passes for 62 yards and one touchdown in the 30–10 win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Long time coming: Rivers, Chargers beat Dolphins, 30–10 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128055 |access-date=September 29, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 7 against the [[Tennessee Titans]], Ekeler had only seven rushing yards but had 118 receiving yards as the Chargers lost 20–23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Casey recovers fumble, Titans hold off Chargers' rally 23–20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127979 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 11 against the Chiefs on ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', Ekeler rushed five times for 24 yards and caught eight passes for 108 yards in the 24–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2019 |title=Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Chargers 24–17 in Mexico City |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128134 |access-date=November 18, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> During Week 14 against the Jaguars, Ekeler finished with 101 rushing yards on just eight carries, with four receptions for 112 receiving yards, and a touchdown as the Chargers won 45–10.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Chargers end skid, hand Jaguars 5th straight lopsided loss |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127997 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He was the sixth player ever, and the first since [[Herschel Walker]] in 1986, to average over 10 yards per carry and reception in a 100/100 game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fischman |first=Joshua |date=December 9, 2019 |title=By the Numbers: Austin Ekeler Joins 100–100 Club on 12 Touches |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-joins-100-100-club-by-the-numbers |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Overall, he finished the 2019 season with 557 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 92 receptions for 993 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 6, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


===2020===
====2020====
On March 16, 2020, Ekeler signed a four-year $24.5&nbsp;million contract extension with the Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Chargers, Austin Ekeler agree to 4-year, $24.5M deal |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105477/article/chargers-austin-ekeler-agree-to-4year-245m-deal |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 2 against the Chiefs, Ekeler rushed 16 times for 93 yards and caught 4 passes for 55 yards during the 23–20 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Butker good from 58 in OT, Chiefs survive Herbert's LA debut |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220235 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 3 against the [[Carolina Panthers]], Ekeler recorded 143 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown during the 21–16 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers – September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270sdg.htm |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 4, Ekeler suffered a hamstring injury and a hyperextended knee and was expected to miss four to six weeks. He was placed on [[injured reserve]] on October 9, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Austin Ekeler Placed on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-on-injured-reserve |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref> He was activated on November 28, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Austin Ekeler from Injured Reserve |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-activate-austin-ekeler |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref> Ekeler made his return from injury in Week 12 against the [[Buffalo Bills]]. During the game, he recorded 44 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards during the 27–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290buf.htm |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 14 against the [[Atlanta Falcons]], he recorded 146 yards from scrimmage during the 20–17 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers – December 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012130sdg.htm |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler finished the 2020 season with 116 carries for 530 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 54 receptions for 403 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
On March 16, 2020, Ekeler signed a four-year $24.5&nbsp;million contract extension with the Chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Chargers, Austin Ekeler agree to 4-year, $24.5M deal |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105477/article/chargers-austin-ekeler-agree-to-4year-245m-deal |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 2 against the Chiefs, Ekeler rushed 16 times for 93 yards and caught 4 passes for 55 yards during the 23–20 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Butker good from 58 in OT, Chiefs survive Herbert's LA debut |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220235 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In Week 3 against the [[Carolina Panthers]], Ekeler recorded 143 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown during the 21–16 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers – September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270sdg.htm |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 4, Ekeler suffered a hamstring injury and a hyperextended knee and was expected to miss four to six weeks. He was placed on [[injured reserve]] on October 9, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Austin Ekeler Placed on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-on-injured-reserve |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref> He was activated on November 28, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Austin Ekeler from Injured Reserve |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-activate-austin-ekeler |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref> Ekeler made his return from injury in Week 12 against the [[Buffalo Bills]]. During the game, he recorded 44 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards during the 27–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290buf.htm |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 14 against the [[Atlanta Falcons]], he recorded 146 yards from scrimmage during the 20–17 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers – December 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012130sdg.htm |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler finished the 2020 season with 116 carries for 530 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 54 receptions for 403 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


===2021===
====2021====
[[File:Austin Ekeler Washington Football Team vs Los Angeles Chargers 2021 D50 7077 (51461300394).jpg|thumb|right|225px|Ekeler playing for the Chargers in 2021.]]
[[File:Austin Ekeler Washington Football Team vs Los Angeles Chargers 2021 D50 7077 (51461300394).jpg|thumb|right|225px|Ekeler with the Chargers in 2021]]
In Week 4, against the [[Las Vegas Raiders]], Ekeler had 15 carries for 117 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the 28–14 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – September 26th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202109260kan.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The following week, against the [[Cleveland Browns]], Ekeler had 119 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 47–42 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Chargers – October 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202110100sdg.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 11, against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], he had 115 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns in the 41–37 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers – November 21st, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202111210sdg.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler tallied 206 attempts for 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns to go along with 70 receptions for 647 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Ekeler had eight games going over 100 yards from scrimmage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With 20 total touchdowns, Ekeler joined [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] running back [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] as the only two players in Chargers franchise history to score that many touchdowns in a single season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayre |first=Chris |date=January 20, 2022 |title=10 Insights: Austin Ekeler Finishes 2021 Season With Hall of Fame Company |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/10-insights-austin-ekeler-2021-season-hall-of-fame-company |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Ekeler, along with Colts running back [[Jonathan Taylor (American football)|Jonathan Taylor]], led the NFL in touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Scrimmage Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/scrimmage.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler was ranked 46th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2022]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2022-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
In Week 4, against the [[Las Vegas Raiders]], Ekeler had 15 carries for 117 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the 28–14 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – September 26th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202109260kan.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The following week, against the [[Cleveland Browns]], Ekeler had 119 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 47–42 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Chargers – October 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202110100sdg.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 11, against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], he had 115 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns in the 41–37 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers – November 21st, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202111210sdg.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler tallied 206 attempts for 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns to go along with 70 receptions for 647 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Ekeler had eight games going over 100 yards from scrimmage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With 20 total touchdowns, Ekeler joined [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] running back [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] as the only two players in Chargers franchise history to score that many touchdowns in a single season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayre |first=Chris |date=January 20, 2022 |title=10 Insights: Austin Ekeler Finishes 2021 Season With Hall of Fame Company |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/10-insights-austin-ekeler-2021-season-hall-of-fame-company |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Ekeler, along with Colts running back [[Jonathan Taylor (American football)|Jonathan Taylor]], led the NFL in touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Scrimmage Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/scrimmage.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Ekeler was ranked 46th by his fellow players on the [[NFL Top 100 Players of 2022]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2022-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


===2022===
====2022====
In Week 4, against the Texans, Ekeler had 109 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 34–24 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans – October 2nd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210020htx.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 5, against the Browns, he had 16 carries for 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with a receiving touchdown in the 30–28 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns – October 9th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210090cle.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 7 against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] and Week 9 against the Falcons, he had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in both games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers – October 23rd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210230sdg.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta Falcons – November 6th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202211060atl.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 16, against the Colts, he scored two rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Knoblauch |first1=Austin |last2=Miller |first2=Jeff |title=Justin Herbert and Chargers overwhelm Colts to clinch playoff berth |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/liveblog/chargers-indianapolis-colts-live-updates-blog-start-time-highlights-analysis |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |date=December 27, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> With those two scores, Ekeler and [[Marshall Faulk]] are the only two players in NFL history to have 10 or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns in consecutive seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=December 26, 2022 |title=2022 NFL season, Week 16: What We Learned from Chargers' win over Colts on Monday night |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-season-week-16-what-we-learned-from-chargers-colts-on-monday-night |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In Week 17, against the [[Los Angeles Rams]], Ekeler rushed for 122 yards and had 39 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a career-long 72-yard run, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reedy |first=Joe|agency=Associated Press |date=January 2, 2023 |title=Ekeler has 2 TDs, reaches 100 catches as Chargers rout Rams |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2023-01-01/ekeler-has-2-tds-reaches-100-catches-as-chargers-rout-rams |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thiry |first=Lindsey |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler breaks free for 72-yard touchdown against Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35360718/chargers-rb-austin-ekeler-breaks-free-longest-career-touchdown |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Coral |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, Chargers RB Austin Ekeler lead Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2022-week-17-mike-evans-austin-ekeler |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Ekeler finished the 2022 season with 204 carries for 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns to go along with 107 receptions for 722 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
In Week 4, against the Texans, Ekeler had 109 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 34–24 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans – October 2nd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210020htx.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 5, against the Browns, he had 16 carries for 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with a receiving touchdown in the 30–28 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns – October 9th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210090cle.htm |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 7 against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] and Week 9 against the Falcons, he had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in both games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers – October 23rd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202210230sdg.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta Falcons – November 6th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202211060atl.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 16, against the Colts, he scored two rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Knoblauch |first1=Austin |last2=Miller |first2=Jeff |title=Justin Herbert and Chargers overwhelm Colts to clinch playoff berth |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/liveblog/chargers-indianapolis-colts-live-updates-blog-start-time-highlights-analysis |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |date=December 27, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> With those two scores, Ekeler and [[Marshall Faulk]] are the only two players in NFL history to have 10 or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns in consecutive seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=December 26, 2022 |title=2022 NFL season, Week 16: What We Learned from Chargers' win over Colts on Monday night |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-season-week-16-what-we-learned-from-chargers-colts-on-monday-night |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In Week 17, against the [[Los Angeles Rams]], Ekeler rushed for 122 yards and had 39 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a career-long 72-yard run, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reedy |first=Joe|agency=Associated Press |date=January 2, 2023 |title=Ekeler has 2 TDs, reaches 100 catches as Chargers rout Rams |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2023-01-01/ekeler-has-2-tds-reaches-100-catches-as-chargers-rout-rams |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thiry |first=Lindsey |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler breaks free for 72-yard touchdown against Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35360718/chargers-rb-austin-ekeler-breaks-free-longest-career-touchdown |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Coral |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, Chargers RB Austin Ekeler lead Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2022-week-17-mike-evans-austin-ekeler |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Ekeler finished the 2022 season with 204 carries for 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns to go along with 107 receptions for 722 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


In the [[2022–23 NFL playoffs#AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Los Angeles Chargers 30|Wild Card Round]], Ekeler had two rushing touchdowns in the 31–30 loss to the Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – January 14th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202301140jax.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
In the [[2022–23 NFL playoffs#AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Los Angeles Chargers 30|Wild Card Round]], Ekeler had two rushing touchdowns in the 31–30 loss to the Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – January 14th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202301140jax.htm |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


=== 2023 ===
====2023====
Ekeler became a free agent after the 2023 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Report: Chargers, RB Ekeler agree to $24.5M deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-football-nfl-lac-ekeler-contract-idUSKBN20T31F |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> He felt "punched in the face"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molski |first=Max |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler says he felt 'punched in the face' by Chargers |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/austin-ekeler-felt-punched-face-chargers-ending-extension-talks |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en}}</ref> by the Chargers when they refused to negotiate contract extensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Jacob |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler felt like he was 'punched in the face' after Chargers dismissed contract extension talks |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/austin-ekeler-chargers-contract-extension/mkt0moy7kyvxr1dx7yaiuoar |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}</ref> In the regular season opener, Ekeler had 164 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in the 36–34 loss to the Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers – September 10th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309100sdg.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 9, he had two rushing touchdowns in a win over the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets – November 6th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311060nyj.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He finished the 2023 season with 179 carries for 628 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go with 51 receptions for 436 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 14 games and starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
With one year remaining in his contract, Ekeler felt "punched in the face"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molski |first=Max |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler says he felt 'punched in the face' by Chargers |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/austin-ekeler-felt-punched-face-chargers-ending-extension-talks |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en}}</ref> by the Chargers when they refused to negotiate contract extensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Jacob |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Austin Ekeler felt like he was 'punched in the face' after Chargers dismissed contract extension talks |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/austin-ekeler-chargers-contract-extension/mkt0moy7kyvxr1dx7yaiuoar |access-date=April 6, 2023 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}</ref> In the regular season opener, Ekeler had 164 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in the 36–34 loss to the Dolphins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers – September 10th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309100sdg.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 9, he had two rushing touchdowns in a win over the Jets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets – November 6th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311060nyj.htm |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He finished the 2023 season with 179 carries for 628 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go with 51 receptions for 436 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 14 games and starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Washington Commanders===
Ekeler became a free agent after the 2023 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Report: Chargers, RB Ekeler agree to $24.5M deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-football-nfl-lac-ekeler-contract-idUSKBN20T31F |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> On March 18, 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the [[Washington Commanders]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Commanders sign RB Austin Ekeler|url=https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-sign-rb-austin-ekeler|website=Commanders.com|date=March 18, 2024}}</ref>


== NFL career statistics ==
== NFL career statistics ==
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Austin Ekeler's younger brother, Wyett Ekeler, plays football at the [[University of Wyoming]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wyatt Ekeler – Football|url=https://gowyo.com/sports/football/roster/wyatt-ekeler/5044|access-date=February 20, 2022|website=University of Wyoming Athletics|language=en}}</ref> His mother, Suzanne Ekeler, played college basketball at the [[University of Colorado, Colorado Springs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Shelley |date=December 16, 2021 |title=How Chargers' Austin Ekeler uses bond with mom to prove doubters wrong |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32876896/how-chargers-austin-ekeler-uses-bond-mom-prove-doubters-wrong |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Austin's biological father left the family at a young age and is currently serving a life sentence in a Nevada maximum security prison.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Meet Suzanne Ekeler-Adams, Adams Ekeler And Wyett Adams! Background, Age, Net Worth In 2022 – Naija Super Fans |url=https://naijasuperfans.com/meet-suzanne-ekeler-adams-adams-ekeler-and-wyett-adams-background-age-net-worth-in-2022/ |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Naija Super Fans |language=en-US}}</ref>
Austin Ekeler's younger brother, Wyett Ekeler, plays football at the [[University of Wyoming]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wyatt Ekeler – Football|url=https://gowyo.com/sports/football/roster/wyatt-ekeler/5044|access-date=February 20, 2022|website=University of Wyoming Athletics|language=en}}</ref> His mother, Suzanne Ekeler, played college basketball at the [[University of Colorado, Colorado Springs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Shelley |date=December 16, 2021 |title=How Chargers' Austin Ekeler uses bond with mom to prove doubters wrong |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32876896/how-chargers-austin-ekeler-uses-bond-mom-prove-doubters-wrong |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Austin's biological father left the family at a young age and is currently serving a life sentence in a Nevada maximum security prison.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Meet Suzanne Ekeler-Adams, Adams Ekeler And Wyett Adams! Background, Age, Net Worth In 2022 – Naija Super Fans |url=https://naijasuperfans.com/meet-suzanne-ekeler-adams-adams-ekeler-and-wyett-adams-background-age-net-worth-in-2022/ |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Naija Super Fans |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2021, Austin Ekeler started the Austin Ekeler Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayre |first=Chris |date=April 5, 2021 |title=Austin Ekeler Pays it Forward With Newly Launched Foundation |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-running-back-foundation |access-date=April 23, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> with the mission is "to help create opportunities for people to fulfill their passions and ultimately their lives."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler Foundation – Creating Opportunities |url=https://austinekeler.com/ |access-date=April 23, 2022 |website=AustinEkeler.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Also in 2021, Ekeler started the Gridiron Gaming Group<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Jeff |date=December 26, 2022 |title=How Austin Ekeler's need to succeed fueled his journey from rural Colorado to Chargers |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-12-26/austin-ekeler-chargers-star-colorado-football |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> as a way for sports personalities to grow their online communities while livestreaming their gaming with other athletes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Trent |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler Launches Gridiron Gaming Group |url=https://archive.esportsobserver.com/chargers-ekeler-launches-ggg/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Esports Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>
Ekeler established the Austin Ekeler Foundation in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayre |first=Chris |date=April 5, 2021 |title=Austin Ekeler Pays it Forward With Newly Launched Foundation |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-running-back-foundation |access-date=April 23, 2022 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> with the mission is "to help create opportunities for people to fulfill their passions and ultimately their lives."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler Foundation – Creating Opportunities |url=https://austinekeler.com/ |access-date=April 23, 2022 |website=AustinEkeler.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The same year he founded the Gridiron Gaming Group as a way for sports personalities to grow their online communities by [[livestream]]ing with other athletes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Jeff |date=December 26, 2022 |title=How Austin Ekeler's need to succeed fueled his journey from rural Colorado to Chargers |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-12-26/austin-ekeler-chargers-star-colorado-football |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Trent |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Chargers' Austin Ekeler Launches Gridiron Gaming Group |url=https://archive.esportsobserver.com/chargers-ekeler-launches-ggg/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Esports Observer |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
⚫
* [https://www.ekelerfoundation.org/ Austin Ekeler Foundation]
{{footballstats|pfr=E/EkelAu00}}
* [http://www.chargers.com/team/players/roster/austin-ekeler Los Angeles Chargers bio]
* [https://www.commanders.com/team/players-roster/austin-ekeler/ Washington Commanders bio]
* [http://www.gomountaineers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3879 Western State Colorado Mountaineers bio]
* [http://www.gomountaineers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3879 Western State Colorado Mountaineers bio]
⚫
* [https://austinekeler.com/#foundation Austin Ekeler Foundation]


{{Los Angeles Chargers roster navbox}}
{{Washington Commanders roster navbox}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ekeler, Austin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ekeler, Austin}}
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[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:Washington Commanders players]]

Revision as of 20:51, 17 May 2024

Austin Ekeler
refer to caption
Ekeler with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021
No. 30 – Washington Commanders
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1995-05-17) May 17, 1995 (age 29)
Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:Eaton (Eaton, Colorado)
College:Western Colorado (2013–2016)
Undrafted:2017
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
  • RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year (2013)
  • 4× first-team All-RMAC (2013–2016)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Rushing yards:4,355
Rushing average:4.4
Rushing touchdowns:39
Receptions:440
Receiving yards:3,884
Receiving touchdowns:30
Player stats at PFR

Austin Ekeler (/ˈɛklər/ EHK-ler;[1] born May 17, 1995) is an American football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Western Colorado Mountaineers and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

Early years

Ekeler was born on May 17, 1995, in Lincoln, Nebraska,[2] and attended Eaton High School in Eaton, Colorado, where he played high school football for The Fightin' Reds.[3] He was a four-year letterer and starter for the Fightin' Reds; despite being only 5'5 as a freshman, Ekeler rushed for 454 yards and 8 touchdowns on 70 carries. By the end of his career, Ekeler amassed 5,232 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns (39 of which came from his senior year alone) on 561 carries, averaging 9.15 yards-per-carry, with another 581 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.[4]

Despite this performance, Ekeler was a zero-star recruit who saw practically no interest from any Division I school. Wyoming recruited him but never offered him a scholarship, and his only scholarship offers came from Adams State, Chadron State, Oklahoma Panhandle State, and Western Colorado. However, the first three universities wanted to switch him to the defensive side of the ball; Western Colorado was the only school to offer him at the tailback position.[5]

College career

Ekeler attended and played college football at Western Colorado from 2013 to 2016.[6]

As a freshman, Ekeler started nine games. He led the team with 1,049 rushing yards to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. As a sophomore, he had 14 rushing touchdowns and set school records with 1,676 rushing yards, 2,093 total all-purpose yards, and 190.3 all-purpose yards per game. As a junior, he had 19 rushing touchdowns and led Division II in all-purpose yards per game with 203.9 and scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game.[7] As a senior, he had 1,495 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.[8]

College statistics
Year GP Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2013 9 182 1,049 5.8 71 7 27 260 5.9 28 1
2014 11 298 1,676 5.6 82 14 38 417 10.9 47 2
2015 10 227 1,637 7.2 83 19 32 402 12.5 85 2
2016 10 232 1,495 6.4 88 15 18 236 13.1 48 3
Career 40 939 5,857 6.2 88 55 115 1,315 11.4 85 8

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 8+5⁄8 in
(1.74 m) 		198 lb
(90 kg) 		30+3⁄8 in
(0.77 m) 		8+1⁄2 in
(0.22 m)		 4.48 s 1.50 s 2.59 s 4.28 s 6.92 s 40.5 in
(1.03 m)		 10 ft 8 in
(3.25 m)
All values from Pro Day[9][10][11]

Los Angeles Chargers

2017

Ekeler signed a three-year, $1.66 million contract that includes a $5,000 signing bonus with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2017 NFL Draft.[12]

In the season opening 24–21 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, Ekeler had two receptions for 18 yards in his NFL debut.[13] In Week 4, against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had his first career touchdown, a 35-yard rush, on his first NFL carry.[14] On November 12, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had 10 carries for 42 yards to go along with five receptions for 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns.[15] Overall, he finished his rookie season with 260 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 279 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.[16]

2018

In the 2018 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ekeler had 39 rushing yards to go along with five receptions for 87 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 38–28 loss.[17] He scored a receiving touchdown in Weeks 4 and 5 against the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.[18][19] In Week 14, against the Cincinnati Bengals, he aggravated a neck injury, which sidelined him for two games.[20] He returned for the regular season finale against the Broncos and scored a rushing touchdown.[21] Overall, in the 2018 season, he finished with 554 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 39 receptions, 404 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.[22] The Chargers earned the #5-seed for the AFC Playoffs.[23] In the Wild Card Round against the Baltimore Ravens, he had 43 scrimmage yards in the 23–17 victory.[24] In the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots, he had three receptions for 19 yards in the 41–28 loss.[25]

2019

Ekeler began the season as the starter while Melvin Gordon was in a contract dispute. In Week 1, Ekeler rushed 12 times for 58 yards and the game-winning touchdown, in addition to catching six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the 30–24 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts.[26][27] In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, he rushed 17 times for 66 yards and a touchdown with additional work in the receiving game, recording six receptions for 67 in the team's 10–13 loss to the Lions.[28] In Week 3 against the Houston Texans, Ekeler rushed nine times for 36 yards and caught seven receptions for 45 yards.[29] In Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, Ekeler rushed 18 times for 60 yards and one touchdown and caught five passes for 62 yards and one touchdown in the 30–10 win.[30] During Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans, Ekeler had only seven rushing yards but had 118 receiving yards as the Chargers lost 20–23.[31] In Week 11 against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football, Ekeler rushed five times for 24 yards and caught eight passes for 108 yards in the 24–17 loss.[32] During Week 14 against the Jaguars, Ekeler finished with 101 rushing yards on just eight carries, with four receptions for 112 receiving yards, and a touchdown as the Chargers won 45–10.[33] He was the sixth player ever, and the first since Herschel Walker in 1986, to average over 10 yards per carry and reception in a 100/100 game.[34] Overall, he finished the 2019 season with 557 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 92 receptions for 993 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns.[35]

2020

On March 16, 2020, Ekeler signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension with the Chargers.[36] In Week 2 against the Chiefs, Ekeler rushed 16 times for 93 yards and caught 4 passes for 55 yards during the 23–20 overtime loss.[37] In Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, Ekeler recorded 143 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown during the 21–16 loss.[38] In Week 4, Ekeler suffered a hamstring injury and a hyperextended knee and was expected to miss four to six weeks. He was placed on injured reserve on October 9, 2020.[39] He was activated on November 28, 2020.[40] Ekeler made his return from injury in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. During the game, he recorded 44 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards during the 27–17 loss.[41] In Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded 146 yards from scrimmage during the 20–17 win.[42] Ekeler finished the 2020 season with 116 carries for 530 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 54 receptions for 403 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[43]

2021

Ekeler with the Chargers in 2021

In Week 4, against the Las Vegas Raiders, Ekeler had 15 carries for 117 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the 28–14 victory.[44] The following week, against the Cleveland Browns, Ekeler had 119 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 47–42 victory.[45] In Week 11, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had 115 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns in the 41–37 victory.[46] Ekeler tallied 206 attempts for 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns to go along with 70 receptions for 647 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Ekeler had eight games going over 100 yards from scrimmage.[47] With 20 total touchdowns, Ekeler joined Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson as the only two players in Chargers franchise history to score that many touchdowns in a single season.[48] Ekeler, along with Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, led the NFL in touchdowns.[49] Ekeler was ranked 46th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[50]

2022

In Week 4, against the Texans, Ekeler had 109 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown in the 34–24 victory.[51] In Week 5, against the Browns, he had 16 carries for 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with a receiving touchdown in the 30–28 victory.[52] In Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks and Week 9 against the Falcons, he had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in both games.[53][54] In Week 16, against the Colts, he scored two rushing touchdowns.[55] With those two scores, Ekeler and Marshall Faulk are the only two players in NFL history to have 10 or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns in consecutive seasons.[56] In Week 17, against the Los Angeles Rams, Ekeler rushed for 122 yards and had 39 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a career-long 72-yard run, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.[57][58][59] Ekeler finished the 2022 season with 204 carries for 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns to go along with 107 receptions for 722 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[60]

In the Wild Card Round, Ekeler had two rushing touchdowns in the 31–30 loss to the Jaguars.[61]

2023

With one year remaining in his contract, Ekeler felt "punched in the face"[62] by the Chargers when they refused to negotiate contract extensions.[63] In the regular season opener, Ekeler had 164 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in the 36–34 loss to the Dolphins.[64] In Week 9, he had two rushing touchdowns in a win over the Jets.[65] He finished the 2023 season with 179 carries for 628 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go with 51 receptions for 436 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 14 games and starts.[66]

Washington Commanders

Ekeler became a free agent after the 2023 season.[67] On March 18, 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Washington Commanders.[68]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2017 LAC 16 0 47 260 5.5 35T 2 27 279 10.3 38 3 2 2
2018 LAC 14 3 106 554 5.2 41 3 39 404 10.4 44 3 1 1
2019 LAC 16 8 132 557 4.2 35 3 92 993 10.8 84 8 3 2
2020 LAC 10 10 116 530 4.6 27 1 54 403 7.5 28 2 1 0
2021 LAC 16 16 206 911 4.4 28 12 70 647 9.2 40 8 4 3
2022 LAC 17 17 204 915 4.5 72 13 107 722 6.7 23 5 5 3
2023 LAC 14 14 179 628 3.5 55 5 51 436 8.5 39 1 5 4
Career 103 68 990 4,355 4.4 72 39 440 3,884 8.8 84 30 21 15

Postseason

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2018 LAC 2 0 11 29 2.6 7 0 7 33 4.7 9 0 0 0
2022 LAC 1 1 13 35 2.7 13 2 2 8 4.0 4 0 0 0
Career 3 1 24 64 2.7 13 2 9 41 4.6 9 0 0 0

Records and achievements

NFL records

  • One of four players in 15 years to score at least 15 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.[69]
  • Along with Marshall Faulk, Ekeler is one of two players in NFL history to have 10 or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns in consecutive seasons.[70]
  • Along with Priest Holmes, Ekeler is one of two players in NFL history to be an undrafted player with 1,500 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in consecutive seasons.[71]
  • Most catches by a running back in a single season in Chargers history.[72]

Personal life

Austin Ekeler's younger brother, Wyett Ekeler, plays football at the University of Wyoming.[73] His mother, Suzanne Ekeler, played college basketball at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.[74] Austin's biological father left the family at a young age and is currently serving a life sentence in a Nevada maximum security prison.[75]

Ekeler established the Austin Ekeler Foundation in 2021.[76] with the mission is "to help create opportunities for people to fulfill their passions and ultimately their lives."[77] The same year he founded the Gridiron Gaming Group as a way for sports personalities to grow their online communities by livestreaming with other athletes.[78][79]

References

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Austin Ekeler.
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