Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott had an interesting rookie season. It was one that saw him earn accolades for his performance on the field and no small amount of negative press for his actions off it.
Among the things he did that were frowned upon, Elliott pulled down the top of a woman during a St. Patrick’s Day parade. He also was accused of running a red light, leading to an accident this past January.
And even though he was cleared by police, Elliott was accused of domestic violence — a case the NFL still hasn’t completely stopped investigating.
As a result of the negative attention these things brought, not only to Elliott but also to the Cowboys organization, the running back appears to have learned to keep a lower profile off the field.
Zeke Elliott indicated he's keeping lower profile. "I think it’s just life. You learn from your mistakes, & if you don’t, it can be brutal."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 14, 2017
Young men who become superstars have to resort to greater measures than ever before to protect themselves from attractive negative press. The camera is always on these days, and it is just smart business to make sure you don’t become a big story for all the wrong reasons.
Some of what Elliott is now dealing with is self inflicted. Some of it is a result of his fame, pure and simple. But it seems he’s doing the smart thing now by keeping a low profile, a lesson more young athletes need to learn.