Kyle Grant, Miami Vice Public Relation Writer
Miami, FL – A dozen or so reporters gathered around an empty podium on the day of the NFL Draft. Ezekiel Elliott name was called, and the fans started to roar with excitement.
Ezekiel Elliott, born July 22nd, 1995, in the great city of St. Louis, Missouri, came from an athletic family. Elliott’s mother and father, Dawn and Stacy, were both collegiate athletes at the University of Missouri.
Elliott’s been a workhorse since he was a child. “During a scrimmage, Zeke kept laying out the same player, play after play, even though he didn’t have the ball,” said Elliott’s coach from ages seven to 13. But why was Zeke such a rough-houser? Elliott’s coach stated his response, “Coach says you don’t block, you don’t get the ball.” Miami Vice is certainly happy the rookie running back knows the importance of blocking at a young age.
Elliott attended the more academically driven John Burroughs School in Ladue, Missouri where the athletic resume of Elliott had just begun. While in high school Elliott was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track, and also played baseball. The explosive running back led his high school team to three straight title game. However, losing all three. “You put in so many hours with your boys, your brothers, all season for the past four years, and you aren’t able to accomplish what you wanted to,” as the tears were nearly ready to fall but holding on to the edge of the eyelid.
Ever since, Elliott has had fire in his eyes to fulfill the accomplishment of winning a championship. “It hurts a lot. But you have to be strong. I have to be strong for my boys.” And strong he was.
The number thirteenth running back in the class of 2013 went on to Ohio State University to continue building his football legacy. Started as a backup, Elliott’s relentless work ethic earned him the starter role the next year. Elliott began to develop a fan base and was able to finally achieve a goal that haunted him in high school.
In 2014, Elliott and the Buckeyes went on to blowout the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship Game. In 2015 in the first-ever college football playoff, Elliott and the Buckeyes returned looking to place their hands back onto the trophy. Once again, Elliott led his team to a hard fought win leading to another championship. Elliott was creating a mark for himself.
“He’s kind of weird honestly,” Buckeyes left tackle Taylor Decker said. “He’s kind of a weird guy. After the Sugar Bowl … he was throwing a water bottle when he was being interviewed by ESPN, and he’s just a character.”
Elliott received heavy criticism for his fashion statements while on the gridiron. Elliott is known for tucking his jersey up exposing his abdominals. It is so well known around the football world that president Obama even had to take a crack at Elliott’s fashion when the Buckeye football team visited the White House, “Thanks for tucking in your shirt today. We appreciate that.” Elliott filled with embarrassment could do nothing but smile.
Elliot’s high school assistant football coach specified that Elliott one time came into history class wearing a blazer without a shirt, and tried to take the blazer off. “I had to tell him, ‘Ezekiel, you have to wear a shirt to class,’” Merritt said. “He’s always been an individual and his personality will always shine through. He’s a magnet. People love him.”
It didn’t end there. Elliott brought the crop top to college and then to the NFL Draft. A day where nerves and emotions run high. So much joy and pain are displayed during these short days. “…We’re nervous,” Dawn Elliott said shakily. “At times I couldn’t stop shaking my legs. I wanted to get the call. I wanted my name to be called,” said Elliott. And soon enough it was. Moment of silence and a great amount of tears overcame the new rookie. The wait was over.
But the workload continued. Elliott knew he was going to become the starting running back for the Miami Vice and he knew he had a lot of work to get prepared for the season. “I’m here to win a championship. That’s been the goal since I was in high school. It doesn’t change now.”
Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith, commended Elliott on Twitter, “Ezekiel Elliott is a legit football player. Very impressive!!!”
“Zeke is the guy you would want your daughter to date,” said Miami Vice head coach. “When he walks into a room you can feel his presence. He’s just fun. But when it comes to practice and everything, obviously he’s serious.
Elliott’s a young talent with a warm-heart. And, as the pressure piles on, he still finds a way to smile through it all. How could you ever dislike a guy like this?
