Ezekiel Elliott Will Donate to Salvation Army to Match Celebration Fine

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott turned is turning a penalized celebration and likely fine into a great gesture towards charity.

During the Dallas Cowboys’ 12th win of the 2016 season, rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott stole the show. Sure, he ran amuck over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for just shy of 160 yards rushing, but he also had an all-timer celebration. After scoring in the second quarter, the Ohio State product sprinted out of the back of the end zone and climbed into a giant Salvation Army kettle.

As is to be expected, Elliott was penalized for the celebration. In addition to the flag, he’s also likely to be fined by the NFL for his actions—whether that’s right or not is up for debate. However, Elliott isn’t going to just let the whole thing slip by the wayside and be something that gets brushed off. In fact, he’s doing something much more meaningful as a result.

Following the big win for the Cowboys, Elliott was obviously asked about the celebration. Amidst talk of it, the running back told Derek Eagleton of Cowboys.com that he plans to match whatever the NFL fines him with a donation to the Salvation Army:

That’s truly an incredible gesture from a young player in this league.

Elliott hasn’t been immune to bad press as the league is still investigating accusations of domestic violence against the running back (though a court ruled there was insufficient evidence to press criminal charges). However, he’s been nothing but an example of how to be a young professional in this league since then and aside from what looks to be a witch-hunt on the part of the NFL.

Next: Buccaneers at Cowboys Highlights, Recap

In the meantime, the rookie has done nothing but live up to the billing as the No. 4 overall pick from the 2016 draft and then some. As great as what he can do on the field is, though, instances like this make him even more likable and endearing to fans than anything else.