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The ongoing debate over the pay disparity for NFL running backs has reached a boiling point, and prominent Chargers running back, Austin Ekeler, is leading the charge for change.
In a recent interview with CBS’s Zach Gelb, Austin Ekeler emphasized the need for clarity from NFL owners regarding the running back position’s lack of financial security.
He believes that this lack of investment in running backs is adversely affecting the entire running back market, setting a cap on contracts and preventing new, relevant comparisons from being made.
As a player, Ekeler acknowledges that he has no control over these financial decisions, and he believes that the responsibility lies with the team owners to explain their reasoning. In his words, “Who we want answers from is the ownership. Like, why are you doing this? What’s the reasoning?”
Austin Ekeler wants to hear from #NFL owners as to why running backs aren't getting paid.
Full Zach Gelb Show chat on @CBSSportsRadio with @AustinEkeler here: https://t.co/EYA6ZoxIsf pic.twitter.com/Efu8RIf3Hl
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) July 18, 2023
Austin Ekeler recently expressed his frustration at seeing some backup wide receivers earning more than him, despite beleivng he’s a vital pillar of any NFL offense.
Austin Ekeler’s own experience in the offseason adds further weight to the discussion. Although he was granted permission to explore trade opportunities, he found it challenging to secure a deal.
The Chargers reportedly wanted valuable draft picks in return for the talented running back, the same player they were hesitant to invest in with a substantial contract.
The running back position has seen several players voice their concerns about this issue. Veteran running backs have taken action by organizing a group text chain to strategize ways to improve their situations.
Austin Ekeler emphasized that the players won’t back down from addressing the matter head-on.
This is the kind of trash that has artificially devalued one of the most important positions in the game. Everyone knows it’s tough to win without a top RB and yet they act like we are discardable widgets. I support any RB doing whatever it takes to get his bag. https://t.co/sRYfAKwrpQ
— Austin Ekeler (@AustinEkeler) July 17, 2023
“You poked the bear, and you’re going to have to make us do something,” Ekeler asserted in the interview, implying that the running back fraternity is prepared to take a stand and demand fair compensation for their contributions to the game.
The pay disparity between running backs and other positions has long been a topic of debate in the NFL.
While some argue that running backs have a shorter career span and are more prone to injuries, making it less financially viable for teams to invest heavily in the position, players like Austin Ekeler maintain that their importance to the success of an offense deserves more significant financial recognition.
Over the course of his career, Ekeler has established himself as one of the league’s most talented running backs. He has amassed 7,175 total yards, caught 389 passes, and scored 63 total touchdowns.
As the voices of NFL running backs grow louder, it remains to be seen how the league and team owners will respond to their demands for equitable compensation.
The conversation surrounding this issue is unlikely to fade away, and the pressure on NFL owners to address the concerns raised by players like Austin Ekeler will only continue to intensify.