TLDR: Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall has called for top running backs like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley to boycott until Ezekiel Elliott receives a contract. Marshall believes that the running back position is disrespected in the league, especially when players reach Year 5 or 6 and are considered on the decline. While Marshall’s request may be noble, it is unlikely that other players will join the boycott, and a team signing Elliott would likely be influenced by other factors rather than a player protest.
Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall recently made a passionate plea on the “I Am Athlete” podcast, calling on top running backs in the league to stand in solidarity with Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys, remains a free agent as the upcoming season approaches. Marshall voiced his concern over the perceived disrespect towards the running back position and the challenges veteran running backs face in securing contracts.
During his podcast appearance, Marshall named several prominent running backs including Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, Christian McCaffrey, Travis Etienne, Aaron Jones, and Jamaal Williams, urging them to join in a potential boycott. Marshall believes that boycotting would be the only way to bring about change and highlight the value and contributions of running backs in the NFL.
Marshall emphasized that the running back position is often devalued, particularly when players reach their fifth or sixth year in the league. He argued that teams tend to view players in these later stages as being on the decline, regardless of their previous performances. Marshall cited Elliott’s case as an example, highlighting how his production may have dipped but failed to acknowledge the challenges he faced, such as playing through injuries and supporting his team during a difficult season.
While Marshall’s call for a boycott may be seen as a noble request to address the perceived injustices faced by running backs, it is unlikely that many players will participate in such action. Individual players have different career trajectories, contracts, and personal considerations that may make a collective boycott challenging to organize and sustain. Additionally, the decision to sign a player like Elliott ultimately rests with teams, who take into account various factors such as performance, injury history, and financial considerations.
