Ezekiel Elliott Puts $21 into Salvation Army Kettle

Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott donated $21 to the Salvation Army following his touchdown run of 16 yards on the Cowboys first drive of their Thanksgiving Day 31-23 win over the Washington Redskins.

Two seasons ago, Ezekiel Elliott jumped in the kettle following a touchdown run on Thanksgiving against Tampa Bay. Elliott was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for jumping into the kettle, but was spared any fine by the NFL.

In turn, Elliott donated $21,000 to the Salvation Army. He also encouraged others to make donations of $21 to match the number on his uniform.

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At that time, the Salvation Army said that Elliott’s jump and subsequent requests for $21 donations led to a large influx of money being donated following the game.

This season, Ezekiel Elliott was handed cash while in the end zone by a member of the Cowboys staff. He was not given a penalty as the NFL has since relaxed the rules for celebrations following touchdowns.

Following the game, Elliott said he was thinking about what he could do to make his touchdown celebration a bit different.

Elliott said two seasons ago he jumped into the kettle. As a result, a bunch of donations for $21 to the Salvation Army followed. He added that he hoped the $21 he donated during the game following his touchdown will help convince others to do the same.

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Elliott made a second donation during the fourth quarter by picking up his quarterback Dak Prescott and dropping the signal caller into the kettle after a Prescott touchdown run. The play drew the player a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Elliott said that Prescott deserved to be deposited into the kettle.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told the media  that the team wants its players to love playing football and celebrate. However, they do not want players drawing unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for 15 yards.

Dallas with the win on Thanksgiving Day moved into first place in the NFC East at 6-5. Dallas has the same record as Washington but holds the tiebreaker.