Chargers’ Austin Ekeler sounds off on running backs being regarded as ‘discardable widgets’

Running backs around the NFL are taking to social media to decry the devaluation of their position amidst the league’s turn away from the ground game, and  Chargers veteran Austin Ekeler is at the forefront of this newly formed movement.

A supremely productive piece of Los Angeles’ burgeoning offense in recent years, many thought Ekeler’s performance last season should have warranted a high-dollar extension. Still, their front office wasn’t so sure.

After initial speculation that a holdout could be on the horizon, Ekeler agreed to a revised contract with the Chargers back in May but expressed his displeasure with the state of affairs relative to his situation via a Twitter post on Monday.

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

In response to a tweet about the modern “rent-a-back” philosophy of NFL roster building, Ekeler made it clear that he and his running back brethren are worth more than the media gives them credit for.

“This is the kind of trash that has artificially devalued one of the most important positions in the game,” Ekeler wrote. “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.”

While the brewing firestorm on social media is unlikely to advance Ekeler’s cause in the near term, some of the league’s top rushers chimed in with similar input, frustrated with the diminished leverage that they have in contract discussions.

At this point , just take the RB position out the game then . The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization , just seems like it don’t even matter . I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve . https://t.co/OgvBWZCKvn

— Derrick Henry  (@KingHenry_2) July 17, 2023

1. If you’re good enough, they’ll find you.

2. If you work hard enough, you’ll succeed.

…If you succeed…

3. You boost the Organization

…and then…

Doesn’t matter, you’re a RB https://t.co/mG6In1ATGg

— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 17, 2023

This is Criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position. https://t.co/zDXRS5cGdu

— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) July 17, 2023

I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL- history will show that you need running backs to win- we set the tone every game and run trough walls for our team and lead in many ways- this notion that we deserve less is a joke. https://t.co/rWJkGIEgmW

— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023

It is unclear whether these posts constitute a larger effort going on behind the scenes. However, what has become abundantly obvious is that the discourse surrounding the value of the running back position has turned a corner with some of the NFL’s biggest stars, including Ekeler, pushing the dialogue forward.