‘Zeke’ generates spike in Salvation Army donations

Dallas+Cowboys+running+back+Ezekiel+Elliott+%2821%29+jumps+into+the+Salvation+Army+red+kettle+after+scoring+a+second+quarter+touchdown+against+the+Tampa+Bay+Buccaneers+on+Sunday%2C+Dec.+18%2C+2016+at+AT%26T+Stadium+in+Arlington%2C+Texas.+

Richard W. Rodriguez/Fort Worth tar-Telegram/TNS

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) jumps into the Salvation Army red kettle after scoring a second quarter touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Nasya Ellison, Guest Writer

Salvation Army’s donations were down by 20% compared to last year until Ezekiel Elliott’s famous celebration after a touchdown.

The Dallas running back has only brought good contributions to the Salvation Army after hopping into the kettle. ESPN reports the charity received $182,000 in online donations in the 12.5 hours after Elliott’s dip in the kettle. On top of that he is planning to donate some of his own money according to a tweet on Monday.

His actions were not bad sportsmanship; he just wanted to show thanks to a great charity. Elliott told ESPN after the game, “I mean it’s just sitting there right in the end zone, you know. It’s the perfect celebration. They’re one of our biggest partners, so I had to show them a little bit of love.”

Ironically if the NFL decided to fine him for being a bad sport, the result of punishing him would only give more money to charity.

Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones told NFL.com, “I think the Salvation Army should give him the highest award. My dream would be for the NFL to really fine me a lot of money and I’ll take them to the Supreme Court and we’ll get the Salvation Army more attention than anybody can get them. So let’s go.”