One of the main reasons why Austin Ekeler chose to sign with the Washington Commanders last offseason was the promises the franchise made at the time.
Ekeler was never a bell cow. He, instead, was used as an offensive weapon sparingly both in the pass and run game. Washington used him in exactly that same role to great affect during the 2024 season.
The team also found success as a collective unit, winning 12 games and reaching the conference title game for the first time in 30 years. Now, at 30 years old himself, Ekeler is preparing for another season - an important one for his career.
"Not chasing a finish line, chasing my limits. The grind is the destination. Brick by brick, stay locked in," Ekeler wrote on Instagram.
The shelf life of a running back in the league is very short. The fact that Ekeler, through the majority of his career as a Los Angeles Charger, has gotten to this point is something that should be celebrated.
There's one more like left for the runner to be accomplished, though.
A Super Bowl ring.
Washington has become one of the older teams in the league in the last few seasons. Ekeler is just part of that group. If he can help the Commanders reach the Super Bowl, though, his free agent signing two years ago would have been worth it.
And he could go out a champion.
