Undrafted in 2017, Austin Ekeler went on to carve out a unique niche for himself as one of the league’s most versatile backs. Seven seasons with the Chargers, marked by playmaking and durability, established him as an undeniable favorite. But with the NFL’s ever-shifting landscape, change was inevitable. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, we spoke to Ekeler, and he opened up about his unexpected departure from the Chargers. Let’s take you inside Ekeler’s mindset during this pivotal career moment and unpack what led to his move to the Commanders.

The story begins with a sobering realization. After completing his four-year contract with the Chargers, Ekeler understood both sides were ready for a change. As he told Andrew Whitelaw in the EssentiallySports Exclusive, “I just finished my contract with the Chargers. I had a four-year deal there. Finished all four years, had an amazing time with them, was very blessed to be in that organization for seven years, and I think it was just time for a change for both of us.” The 2024 offseason saw two major changes in the coaching staff. Jim Harbaugh took the helm as HC, while Jesse Minter followed Harbaugh from Michigan to fill the DC spot. They had a new vision for the team, and Ekeler wasn’t fitting their schemes. “They were going a new direction with coaching staff who was wanting to have a different type of backfield,” Ekeler noted.

Ekeler candidly described how the shift in Chargers’ philosophy and coaching vision didn’t align with his role anymore. “I was, you know, moving into a new spot in my career where, hey, maybe I’m not that lead guy. Maybe I go back to a position where I kind of was, started out my first three years kind of splitting kind of like a running back by committee type of environment.” This frank acknowledgement marks the end of a chapter defined by Ekeler’s dynamic play and impact. But the story is about more than just parting ways.

Ekeler stresses the importance of timing and opportunity in the league. And the biggest factor for his move to Washington was notably the RB coach, Anthony Lynn. Lynn was the HC for the Chargers from 2017 through 2020, Ekeler’s early years. He was happy to get back with a familiar face. As he further added on the EssentiallySports Exclusive, “That’s what really led me back to Washington, being around coach Lynn again as I mentioned but really comes down to timing and you know what’s the opportunity in that timing. You know, there’s a lot of teams out there, 32 that, you know, they’re all gonna need running backs, but there’s a lot of philosophies that are different, there’s a lot of current guys that are under contract and so there was the best opportunity for me to make the biggest impact with Washington and the coaching staff.”

This choice showed Ekeler’s pragmatic approach, balancing respect for what was with strategic preparation for what comes next. Beyond the immediate switch, Ekeler’s comments provide insight into the evolving nature of NFL backfields, where shifting roles have become the norm. But what’s next for Austin Ekeler?

Austin Ekeler’s drive goes on, both on and off the field

In addition to his pivotal franchise move, this exclusive interview with EssentiallySports also highlighted Austin Ekeler’s community spirit through his initiative: Charity Draft. This venture has raised over $80,000 for youth sports programs, and Ekeler has shared the inspiration behind it with us. “I’ve been getting more into fantasy football in my earlier stage of my career when I was, you know, winning leagues for people back when I was with the Chargers,” Ekeler said. “I saw it as an opportunity to bring community together and so that’s when I started the newest kind of endeavor that I have. It’s called Charity Draft, and basically what it is is we have players that will donate different prizes. Game jerseys, game tickets, you know, tickets to their golf events and stuff like that and you can win them in these fantasy leagues.”

Andrew Whitelaw also doubled down with a question, “sometimes athletes at the hightest level it’s not like the old days right, sometimes there’s a disconnect with fans, but do you think it helps bring people together?” Ekeler’s answer? “Yeah, absolutely.” He then proceeded to give us an example straight out of his home: “for instance my wife, who never watched football before she met me, she has a fantasy league with my family. They have like a little yearly fantasy league and so that’s brought her into the new world of fantasy sports and football. And it’s brought her closer to my family because now they have something they can relate on. Not only that but it also helps her learn other players around the league so I definitely think it helps bring the outside fan base closer to us as players.” 

Looking ahead, Ekeler had embraced a new role in D.C., navigating the challenges and excitement of his second year with a new team. He already made a splash in the 2024 season with 367 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. He also had 366 receiving yards to go along with that. But the 2025 season presented itself with early heartbreak as Ekeler got injured vs. the Packers on September 11, and had to be carted off the field. Recent updates note that he has torn his right Achilles tendon and would be out for the season. While we won’t see him suiting up on the field anytime soon, we know he’ll be diving into Charity Drive with more energy than ever before.

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