Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler: biography

Austin Ekeler is a professional American football player who currently plays as a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL).

Childhood and youth

Austin Ekeler was born on May 17, 1995, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up in a small town called Eaton, where he attended Eaton High School. In high school, Ekeler was a standout athlete, excelling in both football and track and field. He was a four-year letterman in football, playing as a running back and a linebacker, and was also a state champion in the 100-meter dash in track and field.

Despite his success in high school, Ekeler was not heavily recruited by major college football programs. He ultimately decided to attend Western State Colorado University, a Division II school in Gunnison, Colorado.

At Western Colorado, Ekeler continued to shine as a football player, setting multiple school records and earning All-American honors in his senior year. He also earned a degree in exercise and sport science.

Ekeler's upbringing in a small town and his experience as an underdog in college football have helped shape his work ethic and determination as a professional athlete. He is known for his humble and hardworking personality, and he often uses his platform to give back to his community and inspire others.

Football career

Austin Ekeler's football career began at Western State Colorado University, where he played as a running back for the Mountaineers. Despite being a standout player in high school, Ekeler was not heavily recruited by major college football programs, so he chose to attend Western State, a Division II school in Gunnison, Colorado.

At Western State, Ekeler quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic and versatile player. He set multiple school records, including career rushing yards (5,857), career all-purpose yards (9,315), and career touchdowns (63). In his senior year, he was named a Division II All-American after rushing for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns and catching 28 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite his impressive college career, Ekeler went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, he was quickly signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. Ekeler immediately impressed the coaching staff with his speed, agility, and versatility, and he earned a spot on the team's roster.

In his rookie season, Ekeler played in all 16 games, primarily serving as a backup to starting running back Melvin Gordon. He rushed for 260 yards and two touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. He also established himself as a valuable special teams player, recording 11 tackles on special teams.

In his second season, Ekeler's role on the team expanded as he became a more integral part of the Chargers' offense. He rushed for 554 yards and three touchdowns and caught 39 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns. He also continued to excel on special teams, recording 16 tackles.

In 2019, Ekeler had a breakout season, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL. He rushed for 557 yards and three touchdowns and caught 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named to his first Pro Bowl and was widely recognized as one of the best all-around running backs in the league.

Despite missing some time due to injuries in 2020, Ekeler continued to be a key contributor to the Chargers' offense. He rushed for 530 yards and one touchdown and caught 54 passes for 403 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 games. He also continued to be a valuable player on special teams, recording nine tackles.

In the 2021-2022 NFL season, Austin Ekeler continued to be a key contributor to the Los Angeles Chargers' offense. He played in all 17 games and rushed for 594 yards and three touchdowns on 144 carries. He also caught 62 passes for 554 yards and five touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the best receiving running backs in the league.

Ekeler's versatility and playmaking ability were on full display throughout the season, as he regularly made big plays both on the ground and through the air. He also continued to be a valuable player on special teams, recording four tackles.

Despite Ekeler's impressive performance, the Chargers missed the playoffs with a record of 9-8, finishing third in the AFC West. However, Ekeler's individual success was recognized by the league, as he was named to his second Pro Bowl in as many years.

Looking ahead to the 2022-2023 season, Ekeler will once again be a key player for the Chargers as they look to make a push for the playoffs. With his speed, agility, and versatility, he is sure to be a focal point of the team's offense and a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Personal life

It’s known that currently Austin Ekeler is in a relationship with Melanie Wilking who is a dancer, content creator and influencer. She has worked with popular artists including Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, Iggy Azalea and Bruno Mars.

Ekeler is a fitness enthusiast and takes his training and nutrition very seriously. He often shares his workouts and healthy eating habits on social media and has even launched his own fitness app called "Austin Ekeler's Official Training Camp."

Ekeler is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing. He often takes advantage of the natural beauty of Southern California, where the Chargers are based, to explore the outdoors.

Overall, Ekeler is known for his positive attitude, hard work, and dedication both on and off the field. He is highly respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and leadership, and he continues to be a fan favorite among Chargers fans.

Records and achievements

• Division II All-American (2016)
• First Team All-RMAC (2016)
• RMAC Offensive Player of the Year (2016)
• Set multiple records at Western State Colorado University, including career rushing yards (5,857), career all-purpose yards (9,315), and career touchdowns (63)
• Signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent (2017)
• Played in all 16 games as a rookie (2017), rushing for 260 yards and two touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns
• Named to his first Pro Bowl (2019) after catching 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns and rushing for 557 yards and three touchdowns
• Rushed for over 500 yards and caught over 50 passes in three consecutive seasons (2018-2020)
• Named to his second Pro Bowl (2021) after catching 62 passes for 554 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 594 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games
• Has recorded over 5,000 career all-purpose yards and 35 total touchdowns as of the end of the 2021-2022 season.