The Diaspora Fan: Austin Ekeler is the NFL’s next big running back

For Los Angeles Chargers fans, many are conflicted with emotions.

On the positive side, folks are stoked about a Week 1 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts and a perfect start to the season. On the other hand, the Bolts arguably made the game too close at the end (multiple late-game turnovers and what looked like no run defense) and experienced multiple injuries to key players (Melvin Ingram, Mike Williams and Damian Square among some of them).

One major standout from Sunday was the phenomenal play of running back Austin Ekeler. Most Chargers fans know the value of Ekeler as well as his story. An undrafted free agent, Ekeler had worked his way to being a stud spell back for Melvin Gordon last year. With Gordon’s holdout situation, the door was open for Ekeler to be the starting running back for the 2019 season.

Ekeler finished Sunday’s game with 18 touches for 154 total yards and three (of the Chargers four total) touchdowns. Such a performance not only was a major reason for the Bolts victory but also it made many Chargers fans wonder, “Melvin who?”

Ekeler showcased great patience, explosiveness and elusiveness throughout the afternoon. He looked almost unstoppable with his 55-yard TD reception, which garnered national spotlight by landing a spot on ESPN’s top 10 plays on Monday.

Austin Ekeler walk-off TD! What a game!#INDvsLAC (via @Chargers)pic.twitter.com/Oqcn8W322a

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 8, 2019

When the game went to overtime, it was Ekeler who finished off the Colts. His game-winning touchdown run saw him spin and bounce off would-be tacklers to pay dirt.

DRIVE. HOME. SAFELY. pic.twitter.com/EBRueAHyaQ

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) September 8, 2019

As I wrote this post, Ekeler had under 10,000 followers on Twitter; however, that number climbed to the 10k mark as the week progressed. It could add a few more zeroes to that number if he continues to play like he did this past Sunday.