Recently, the NFL has faced backlash, largely due to the challenges surrounding the running back position. This issue has gained attention after top running backs such as Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard were all denied contract extensions.
As a result, they now face the choice of playing under the franchise tag or sitting out for the season, hoping for better opportunities in the 2024 offseason.
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Several players, including Austin Ekeler, have been vocal about their frustrations with this situation. On the Zach Gelb Show, Ekeler expressed, “Really, what we want answers from, is the ownership.”
Taking on the role of spokesperson for his fellow running backs, Ekeler is pushing for clarity from team owners. He believes that the refusal to pay running backs is becoming a troubling trend, and without intervention, this issue could persist for years.
Ekeler, however, maintains that the running back position is still crucial in the NFL, highlighting the physical toll of the job. “We’re out there carrying the ball for you 400 times per year,” Ekeler said, providing justification for his stance.
While he acknowledged the importance of positions like quarterback and wide receiver, Ekeler and many of his peers feel that the current treatment of running backs is unjust.
His interview with Gelb serves as a rallying cry for NFL owners to take action, as Ekeler demands answers regarding the state of the running back market for the 2023 season and beyond.
With the growing number of voices speaking out on this issue, it seems only a matter of time before NFL owners are compelled to address it.
