Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler is a running back for the Washington Commanders. Ekeler signed with the Commanders in 2024 after a standout seven-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Ekeler earned his way to a starting job with the Chargers after originally being undrafted in 2017 out of Western Colorado. He broke out in year two as a combo threat backup behind Melvin Gordon, rushing for 554 yards while collecting 404 receiving yards.

After Gordon's 2019 holdout, Ekeler became the primary starter in Los Angeles and a dangerous dual-threat option on offense. He recorded over 1,000 yards of total offense five times, including during the 2022 campaign when he had 20 combined touchdowns.

Ekeler is the product of hard work after having one of the most productive careers in Division II history. He was a 1,000-yard rusher all four years at Western Colorado. As a sophomore, he set a school record with 1,676 receiving yards and 2,093 all-purpose yards. During his junior campaign, he led all of Division II in all-purpose yards.