The last time Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott made news with The Salvation Army Kettle, he jumped into it. It was 2016, and Elliott's post-touchdown plunge against the Buccaneers led to a spike in donation.
On Thursday, Dallas recorded its third straight win, ascended to first place in the NFC East, and it was highlighted by Elliott scoring a touchdown, taking $21 from a staffer, and dropping it in the red bucket.
According to the Cowboys, Elliott has reached an agreement with The Salvation Army, one that includes him matching every $21 gift to the Red Kettle Campaign. The Cowboys, who have long had a partnership with the organization, will match each gift for a total of $42,000 ($21,000 from Elliott and from the Cowboys).
"Two years ago when I jumped in there," Elliott said post-game, "there were a bunch of $21 donations to The Salvation Army. Hopefully that first $21 that I put in there today triggers a lot of donations for them."
On Thursday, after Elliott dropped in his money, he celebrated a late score by dumping quarterback Dak Prescott into the kettle to receive a 15-yard penalty.
"I think he just deserved to get in there, you know what I mean," Elliott said.
Owner Jerry Jones didn't seem to mind the penalty.
"Any fine coming I'll gladly add on to my credit," he stated.
In 2016, Elliott's leap spurred $250,000 in additional donations thanks to visits to give.salvationarmyusa.org, or shopzeke21.com.
A portion of all sales from shopzeke21.com will be donated to The Salvation Army, as well.
Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.
