Austin Ekeler is an American football running back and return specialist for the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL season. The Los Angeles Chargers signed him as a free agent after he went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his time with the Chargers, he created a record for the most receptions received by a running back in franchise's history. After six seasons and 103 appearances, Ekeler signed with the Commanders in 2024 and received Second-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner, as per Commanders' official website.
Ekeler appeared in 40 games for Western Colorado University from 2013 to 2016. He finished his collegiate career with more than 5,800 rushing yards and 1,315 receiving yards, as per ESPN. He received First-team All-RMAC honors four times and RMAC Offensive Player of the Year during his four-year collegiate career, as per Western Colorado's official website.
How many teams has Austin Ekeler played for?
As of January 2025, Austin Ekeler has played for two NFL franchises throught his eight-year NFL career: Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.
Los Angeles Chargers (2017 - 2023)
Ekleler began his NFL career after getting signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers following the 2017 NFL Draft.
While he only saw starting reps in three of the 30 games he appeared in his first two years in the league, he still managed to put up more than 800 rushing yards during that period. He started 18 games in his next two seasons but remained in the same ballpark when it came to on-field rushing production. However, during the 2019 season, the dual-threat running back had a career year in the receiving game where he accumulated a career-high of almost 1,000 receiving yards (via Pro Football Reference).
Ekeler got his first breakthrough in the 2021 season when he started all 16 games and tallied 911 rushing yards. Ekeler's best season in his pro career came in the 2022 season when he accounted for 1637 scrimmage yards (career-high). In his seven-year tenure with the Chargers, Ekeler amassed more than 8,000 scrimmage yards (via Pro Football Reference).
Washington Commanders (2024 - present)
As a free agent, Ekeler signed a two-year contract worth $8.4 million with the Washington Commanders on March 11, 2024, as per Spotrac. In his first season with the Commanders, Ekeler not only rushed for 367 yards but was also a factor in the receiving game, tallying 366 receiving yards as well (via Pro Football Reference).
FAQs on Austin Ekeler
A. Austin Ekeler is 29 years old, as of January 2025.
A. Austin Ekeler has an average annual salary of $4.2 million, as per Spotrac.
A. Austin Ekeler attended Western Colorado University.
A. Austin Ekeler was a Second-team All-Pro in the 2024 NFL season.
