“Trust your landmark and run through the smoke. It’s going to open up eventually,” that is what Ezekiel Elliott lives by. The running back made a name for himself in his first year in the NFL. He sacked up the most rushing yards and touchdowns by a Cowboys rookie. And that’s not all; since then, the Dallas player has never looked back. Elliott was far from home for two years and finally made his way back to Dallas this year. With his return to the team, everyone is waiting to see him perform.

Marking a heartfelt homecoming, his mother, Dawn Huff shared an Instagram reel with the caption, “Guess who’s back!?” The video showcased heartwarming moments of the running back both on and off the field, highlighting his football action as well as touching scenes with his mom. Moreover, it’s not just his mom who’s beaming with pride; his dad, Stacy Elliott, is just as delighted for his son’s success. On August 8, Stacy shared a video of the Pro Bowl receiver on Facebook and wrote, “My son Ezekiel Elliott getting that work!!” So, who are Stacy and Dawn Huff Elliott?

Who is Stacy Elliott?

Sports is in Ezekiel Elliott’s genes and we aren’t just saying this out of thin air. The RB’s father, Stacy, was a College Footballer, and undoubtedly, Zeke followed his footprints. Elliott was an LB for the Missouri football team. Apart from being good at sports, he excelled in sociology, history, sociology, and community development. And that’s not all – Mr. Elliott went above and beyond helping Ohio State build connections with top recruits. With such an impressive background, what is he doing now?

While back in the day, he was a talented player, the former linebacker hasn’t strayed far from the sports world even though his playing days are behind him. Stacy may not be on the gridiron anymore, but he’s still deeply connected, working for a sports company. He is the CEO of Fifth Down Enterprises, a sports management agency that focuses on empowering athletes. He says, “Football and leadership have always been important to me, leading to my current business venture, Fifth Down Management.” Interesting, isn’t it?

Stacy is marching to the beat of his own drum, and he loves cheering for his son. You can often find him on the sidelines chanting “The Boys!” On top of that, he even attended the preseason games. He posted a picture of himself on Facebook with the caption, “Here to support my son!!!” Being super proud of his son, the former linebacker was just a middle-class man who wanted the best for his son!

As per Cleveland.com, Stacy said, “We didn’t drive the best cars and didn’t go on fine trips or live in big houses. Most of our money went to the children.” He mentioned how most of their family vacations meant just one thing: AAU national track championships traveling to different spots across the country. Zeke understood his parents’ struggles and gifted them with a new home after receiving his first NFL paycheck. While his father has been a constant sunshine in his life, Ezekiel’s momma is his shoulder to lean on.

Who is Ezekiel Elliott’s mom Dawn Huff Elliott?

Dawn Huff Elliott is much more than just the backbone of the Elliott family. The NFL superstar’s mum was born and raised in Missouri. And here is a kicker! She is also an amazing athlete herself, shining bright in basketball, track and field, and softball. Her athletic journey continued at the University of Missouri, where she became a track and field star. Moreover, Dawn’s athletic talent didn’t go unnoticed—she was inducted into the Mount Ayr Community Schools Hall of Fame and was even named the Des Moines Register’s 1990 Female High School Athlete of the Year. While excelling in sports, she also took a plunge in her personal life.

Dawn and Stacy started dating during their time as student-athletes at the University of Missouri, with Stacy playing college football. And that’s how Ezekiel’s father met his mother! Together, they raised Ezekiel and his two younger sisters, Lailah and Aaliyah. Both of them followed in their parents’ athletic footsteps. While Lailah competed in track and field at Ohio State, Aaliyah is still a standout athlete in high school.

Well, Dawn’s influence on Ezekiel is clear. From supporting him as a “goofy kid” to watching him become an NFL star, she considers the running back her ‘favorite son.’ Moreover, Ezekiel never fails to credit his mom for her unwavering love and support. He wrote on Instagram, “Today I wanna thank you for your unconditional love and all the work you put into making me into the man I am today.” And Huff really deserves it all!

On the Cowboys player’s birthday, mama Elliott posted on Instagram, “I remember the day that you were born just like it was yesterday. Such a loving and caring son, big brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.” Huff describes her son as a big kid at heart. She believes that her son got no pressure and expresses her love with the Instagram caption, “Love you bigger than the whole damned sky.”

With such amazing support from his parents, it’s no surprise that Ezekiel Elliott is out there breaking records! And since the running back has returned to his home, let’s see what the 2024 season holds for him.