Entering his seventh NFL season, Dallas Cowboys rerun Ezekiel Elliott is about to have a less than stellar 2021 campaign.
While Elliott has his eye on change in 2022, speaking to reporters at training camp this week, the three-time pro Bowler has revealed some lofty career goals.
In addition to bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas, Elliott hopes to hit the 10,000-yard figure in his career, aiming that number as a sweet spot for the golden jacket that awaits him in Canton.
Only 31 reruns in NFL history have overcome 10,000 yards of sedge; 16 people in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Currently, 15 defenders from 10,000 yards or more are not in the hall and only one four-time All-Pro player Adrian Peterson is active.
Elliott ranks third among active backrunners in career pitch runs (7,386), behind only Mark Ingram (7,878) and Peterson (14,918).
Elliott suffered a PCL tear in 2021. While he didn’t miss any games, Elliott’s numbers suffered.
Despite dashing more than 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his career, Elliott averaged only 4.2 yards per take and 58.9 yards per game, the lowest among those carrying him.
Elliott’s average yards per game has dropped significantly since his rookie year, as has his touchdowns. They hit it off in 2020, when Elliott averaged 4.0 yards per take and 65.3 yards per game, ending the season with 979 yards across 15 games.
The 10,000-yard mark is not unattainable for Elliott, but recent trends lower his odds.
