Austin Ekeler

{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Austin Ekeler | image = Austin Ekeler 2024.jpg | caption = Ekeler in 2024 | current_team = | number = | position = Running back | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|17}} | birth_place = Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 10 | weight_lbs = 200 | high_school = Eaton (Eaton, Colorado) | college = Western Colorado (2013–2016) | undraftedyear = 2017 | pastteams = * Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2017|2023}}) * Washington Commanders ({{NFL Year|2024|2025}}) | status = Active | highlights = * Second-team All-Pro (2024){{efn|Selected as a kick returner}} * RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year (2013) * 4× first-team All-RMAC (2013–2016) | statweek = | statseason = 2025 | statlabel1 = Rushing yards | statvalue1 = 4,765 | statlabel2 = Rushing average | statvalue2 = 4.4 | statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns | statvalue3 = 43 | statlabel4 = Receptions | statvalue4 = 480 | statlabel5 = Receiving yards | statvalue5 = 4,288 | statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns | statvalue6 = 30 | statlabel7 = Return yards | statvalue7 = 679 | 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 professional football running back. He played college football for the Western Colorado Mountaineers, finishing as their all-time leader in rushing yards before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. With the Chargers, Ekeler led the NFL in touchdowns for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Ekeler has also played for the Washington Commanders.

==Early life== 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 in Eaton, Colorado, where he played high school football.<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 letterer and starter for the Fightin' Reds; despite being only 5&nbsp;ft 5 in (1.65 m) 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.<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 little 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.<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>

==College career== Ekeler attended and played college football at Western Colorado from 2013 to 2016 and is their all-time leader in rushing yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fredrickson |first=Kyle |date=January 14, 2018 |title=D-II to NFL: How Western State's Austin Ekeler came to thrive for Los Angeles Chargers |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/01/14/austin-ekeler-eaton-western-state-los-angeles-chargers/ |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=The Denver Post |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>

==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 8 5/8 | weight = 198 | dash = 4.48 | ten split = 1.50 | twenty split = 2.59 | shuttle = 4.28 | cone drill = 6.92 | vertical = 40.5 | broad ft = 10 | broad in = 8 | bench = | arm span = 30 3/8 | hand span = 8 1/2 | wonderlic = | note = All values from Pro Day<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |author-link=Gil Brandt |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=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/players/_/letter/e/year/2017 |title=2017 NFL Draft Prospects – Last Name E |website=ESPN |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==== 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 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 |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 |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 |language=en}}</ref>

====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 |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, helping the Chargers earned the #5-seed for the AFC Playoffs.<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 |language=en}}</ref><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 |language=en}}</ref> In the 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 |language=en}}</ref> In the 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 |language=en}}</ref>

====2019==== Ekeler began the season as the Chargers' starting running back while Melvin Gordon held out due to 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 |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 |language=en}}</ref>

====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=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-austin-ekeler-agree-to-4-year-24-5m-deal-0ap3000001105477 |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 |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 |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 |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 |language=en}}</ref>

====2021==== [[File:Austin Ekeler (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Ekeler with the Los Angeles 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 |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 |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 |language=en}}</ref>

Overall in 2021, Ekeler tallied 206 attempts for 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, all career-highs, 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 |language=en}}</ref> With 20 total touchdowns, he tied with Colts running back Jonathan Taylor in total touchdowns scored.<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 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TotalTD">{{cite web |last1=Navarro |first1=Omar |title=The Touchdown Machine: How Austin Ekeler Makes the Chargers Offense Go |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/austin-ekeler-fantasy-chargers-lions-week-10 |access-date=24 July 2024 |website=Chargers.com}}</ref>

Ekeler also joined Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson as the only two players in Chargers franchise history to score at least 20 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> He 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 |language=en}}</ref>

====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 |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 |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 |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 |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 name="NickShook">{{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 new career-highs of 204 carries for 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, to go along with a career-high 107 receptions for 722 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. He led the league in total touchdowns scored for the second-consecutive season, with 18.<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 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TotalTD" /> In the Wild Card Round, Ekeler scored two rushing touchdowns in the Chargers' 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 |language=en}}</ref> He was ranked 21st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2023-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2025-07-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

====2023==== In the 2023 regular season opener, Ekeler had 164 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in a 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 |language=en}}</ref> He suffered a high-ankle sprain during the game, and would be held out of the next three games. In Week 8, he had 123 scrimmage yards and scored a receiving touchdown in the Chargers' 30-13 victory against the Bears. In Week 9, he scored 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 |language=en}}</ref> That would mark his only multi-touchdown game of the season, after having 10 over the previous two seasons.

He finished the 2023 season with 179 carries for 628 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, averaging a career low 3.5 yards per carry. He also caught 51 passes 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 |language=en}}</ref>

===Washington Commanders=== [[file:Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (53989153248).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ekeler playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024]] ====2024==== Ekeler signed a two-year contract with the Washington Commanders on March 18, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2024 |title=Commanders sign RB Austin Ekeler |url=https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-sign-rb-austin-ekeler |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=Commanders.com}}</ref> He suffered a concussion in a Week 3 ''Monday Night Football'' game against the Cincinnati Bengals and sat out the following week against the Arizona Cardinals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |date=25 September 2024 |title=Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) out for Arizona game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41441863/commanders-austin-ekeler-cardinals-game-concussion |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=ESPN}}</ref> In a Week 12 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Ekeler suffered another concussion and was placed on injured reserve.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145295-commanders-austin-ekeler-placed-on-ir-with-concussion-after-injury-vs-cowboys |title=Commanders' Austin Ekeler Placed on IR with Concussion After Injury vs. Cowboys |last=Rapp |first=Timothy |date=November 30, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> He was activated for the regular season finale against the Cowboys.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keim |first1=John |title=Commanders activate RB Austin Ekeler off injured reserve |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43286704/commanders-activate-rb-austin-ekeler-injured-reserve |website=ESPN |access-date=January 4, 2025 |date=January 4, 2025}}</ref>

Ekeler finished the 2024 season with 77 carries for 367 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go with 35 receptions for 366 receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Ekeler 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>He finished third in the NFL with 594 kickoff return yards on 19 total returns in 12 games. His 31.3 yards per return average also ranked third among players with at least 15 kickoff returns. He earned Second-Team All-Pro honors as a kick returner in 2024, marking the first All-Pro selection of his career.

====2025==== During the second game of the 2025 season, Ekeler suffered a non-contact injury during the Thursday night game against the Green Bay Packers and was carted off the field.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/commanders-austin-ekeler-exits-game-scary-non-contact-injury-2128698|title=Commanders' Austin Ekeler Exits Game With Scary Non-Contact Injury|date=September 11, 2025|accessdate=September 14, 2025|work=Newsweek.com|first=James|last=Brizuela}}</ref> The next day, he was ruled out for remainder of the season with an Achilles tear; he was placed on injured reserve on September 15.<ref>{{cite web|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46243669/commanders-rb-austin-ekeler-tore-achilles-source-says|title=Commanders RB Austin Ekeler tore Achilles, source says|first=John|last=Keim|date=September 13, 2025|accessdate=September 14, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Commanders.com|url=https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-place-ekeler-wise-on-ir-sign-2-players-from-practice-squad|title=Commanders place Ekeler, Wise on IR; sign 2 players from practice squad|date=September 15, 2025|accessdate=September 15, 2025|first=Zach|last=Selby}}</ref> Ekeler finished the season with 43 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/washington-commanders/news/commanders-austin-ekeler-breaks-silence-season-ending-achilles-injury/e708c865241d8505e9ab2ebc|website=SportingNews.com|date=September 13, 2025 |title=Commanders' Austin Ekeler breaks silence with heartfelt message after season-ending Achilles injury|accessdate=September 14, 2025|first=Brian|last=Peter}}</ref>

==Career statistics== ===NFL=== ==== Regular season ==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Kick returns ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost |- ! 2017 !! LAC | 16 || 0 || 47 || 260 || '''5.5''' || 35 || 2 || 27 || 279 || 10.3 || 38 || 3 || 5 || 85 || 17.0 || 22 || 0 || 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''' |- ! 2024 !! WAS | 12 || 6 || 77 || 367 || 4.8 || 50 || 4 || 35 || 366 || 10.5 || 34 || 0 || '''19''' || '''594''' || '''31.3''' || '''62''' || 0 || 3 || 0 |- ! 2025 !! WAS | 2 || 2 || 14 || 43 || 3.1 || 6 || 0 || 5 || 38 || 7.6 || 15 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00.htm Career] !! 117 !! 76 !! 1,081 !! 4,765 !! 4.4 !! 72 !! 43 !! 480 !! 4,288 !! 8.9 !! 84 !! 30 !! 24 !! 679 !! 28.3 !! 62 !! 0 !! 24 !! 15 |}

==== Postseason ==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Kick returns ! colspan="2"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Ret !! 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 |- ! 2024 !! WAS | '''3''' || 0 || '''22''' || '''89''' || '''4.0''' || '''35''' || 0 || '''12''' || '''84''' || '''7.0''' || '''24''' || 0 || '''1''' || '''32''' || '''32.0''' || '''32''' || 0 || '''1''' || '''1''' |- ! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EkelAu00/gamelog/post/ Career] !! 6 !! 1 !! 46 !! 153 !! 3.3 !! 35 !! 2 !! 21 !! 125 !! 6.0 !! 24 !! 0 !! 1 || 32 || 32.0 || 32 || 0 || 1 !! 1 |}

===College=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+ {{Screen reader-only|College statistics}} ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| 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 |}

==Career highlights== ===Awards and honors=== '''NFL''' * Second-team All-Pro (2024){{efn|Selected as a kick returner}}

'''College''' * RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year (2013) * 4× first-team All-RMAC (2013–2016)

=== NFL records === * One of four players in 15 years to score at least 15 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Chargers punch playoff ticket after cruising past Colts |url=https://nypost.com/2022/12/26/chargers-punch-playoff-ticket-after-cruising-past-colts/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=New York Post |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> * 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.<ref name="NickShook" /> * 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarriston |first=Shanna |date=January 1, 2023 |title=NFL Week 17 milestones: From Tom Brady's 14 straight playoff runs to Jerick McKinnon's receiving TD streak |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-17-milestones-from-tom-bradys-14-straight-playoff-runs-to-jerick-mckinnons-receiving-td-streak/ |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> * Most catches by a running back in a single season in Chargers history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ekeler Surpasses L.T. for Most Catches by Bolts RB in Single Season on Shifty 17-Yard Catch |url=https://www.chargers.com/video/ekeler-surpasses-lt-most-catches-single-season-2022 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=www.chargers.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Personal life == [[File:Collision 2024 - RCZ 0588 (53802699738).jpg|thumb|right|Ekeler speaking with Kayla Grey, 2024]] Ekeler's younger brother, Wyett Ekeler, played football at the University of Wyoming and is currently a defensive back for the Indianapolis Colts.<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><ref>{{cite web | title=Colts sign CB Wyett Ekeler to practice squad, release T Zach Thomas from practice squad | website=Colts.com | date=2025-12-30 | url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-cb-wyett-ekeler-to-practice-squad-release-t-zach-thomas-from-practice-squad | access-date=2026-02-08}}</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>

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 a mission "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 livestreaming 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>

Ekeler married Melanie Wilking on May 25, 2024. They welcomed their first child, a son, on May 18, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clack |first=Erin |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Washington Commanders' Austin Ekeler Marries Dancer Melanie Wilking in Las Vegas Wedding! (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/nfl-player-austin-ekeler-marries-dancer-melanie-wilking-las-vegas-exclusive-8648069 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=People |language=en}}</ref>

== Notes == <references group="lower-alpha" />

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} {{footballstats|nfl=austin-ekeler|espn=3068267|yahoo=30423|cbs=2820090/austin-ekeler/}} * {{Official website|https://austinekeler.com/}} * [https://gomountaineers.com/sports/football/roster/austin-ekeler/3879 Western State Colorado Mountaineers profile] {{Portal bar|American football|Biography|College football|United States|border=no}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ekeler, Austin}} Category:1995 births Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen Category:21st-century American sportsmen Category:American football return specialists Category:American football running backs Category:Living people Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:Players of American football from Colorado Category:Sportspeople from Weld County, Colorado Category:Washington Commanders players Category:Western Colorado Mountaineers football players