Ezekiel Elliott has had an outstanding rookie season for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a 4th round draft pick from Ohio State and had high projections as a prospect to the NFL. He has finished the regular season with a total of 1,631 rushing yards. Only two other people in NFL history have carried for more yards in their rookie season. Elliott and fellow rookie quarterback Dak Prescott have led the Dallas Cowboys to a 13-3 win/loss season. They have received much of the spotlight for their positions, especially for their first year.
There are also other professional football players who make huge contributions but whose names don’t reach the headlines. The Cowboy’s offensive line has been considered the top in the league. A great blocking line provides the way for Elliott to find the holes to get his many yards and for Prescott to have the time to make the connecting passes to his receivers. If it weren’t for this offensive line doing their best on every snap, the season might look quite a bit different for the Cowboys and for these rookies especially.
For Christmas, Ezekiel Elliott had an outstanding gesture of generosity and gratitude that he expressed to his teammates on the offensive line. He gave each of them a John Deere utility vehicle costing about $16,000 each. For a professional athlete, it may seem easy to spend that kind of money, but no matter what, this was an incredible act of generosity by Elliott. This 21-year old seems to understand that his success has not been gained on his own talents and merit alone. It was a big way for him to say thank you to those who have really made a difference for him.
Even though most of us will not be able to match the financial level of the gift of gratitude like Ezekiel Elliott, we can make our own incredible acts of gratitude and generosity. Who are those who have helped you to find success in your life? Who doesn’t often get named for the significant contributions they make to the whole team, the business, the school, family? And how can you say thank you in a big way to those people? The way you could share affirming words, extra time, and a sacrificial gift are great ways to give to someone that has been a blessing to you.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministries
