Ezekiel Elliott isn't only dominating on the field in 2021. The two-time NFL rushing champ is also making the right kind of noise off of it, by way of his work in the local community. While the Dallas Cowboys enjoy a six-game win streak in large part due to the resurgence of Elliott, he's also made time to be present in one of the more challenged communities of the Dallas-Forth Worth area -- a neighborhood known as Oak Cliff.
Seated southwest of downtown Dallas, the issues of Oak Cliff are that of many other low-income urban areas, and that's led to the founding of "For Oak Cliff," a non-profit organization founded by two former teachers: Xavier Henderson and Taylor Toynes. The charity works hard to provide all manner of services to the community, including food drives, GED courses, improvement to neighborhood parks and camps for local kids.
And now Elliott is helping their cause, and not with preset press ops, but instead regular visits that have long flown under the radar.
"They were telling me a little about the organization and I was like, 'Man, this really reminds me of back home,'" said Elliott, via WFAA Channel 8. "I love going down there -- hanging out, having a good time and doing my part."
Henderson appreciates it all more than Elliott knows.
"I think him not doing it for the press says a lot about his intentions," he said of the All-Pro halfback. "He really means well. He really sees the power of his platform and influence. ... We love him."
Elliott's help at "For Oak Cliff" garnered attention on an episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks" this past August -- bringing the right kind of attention to what the organization is attempting to build.
"I think it's just a testament to what they have going on there," said Elliott. "It's a joy to go out there. It's not a chore. I want to go to 'For Oak Cliff.' I want to go hang out with those kids. I want to go help push the things they're trying to help do for their community. ... It just gives faith and hope to the kids that one day you can make it, too."
Elliott is no stranger to philanthropy, one of his more prominent acts stemming from his work with The Salvation Army, made a headline story when he leaped into the Big Red Kettle after a touchdown in 2016, which led to a fine by the NFL and Elliott responding to the fine by raising millions for the organization -- using his kettle hop as an opportunity to raise awareness. This time around, there is no kettle and there are no bright lights and crowds of cameras, but it doesn't make this work any less meaningful.
For more information on "For Oak Cliff" and how you can donate, click here.
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November 07, 2021 at 11:55PM
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Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott helping shine light on local charity in Dallas: 'It gives faith and hope to the kids' - CBS Sports
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