Austin Ekeler talks Chargers, NFL and ownership in Fan Controlled Football

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler knows what it takes to make it against the odds. He has gone from free agent after the 2017 NFL Draft to top-flight running back.

Now, Ekeler is using his business and social media acumen to help kick-start a fledgling league, Fan Controlled Football, a seven-on-seven competition that kicks off Feb. 13.

The upstart league took its next step Thursday, introducing team uniforms by team owners, including Ekeler.

Fans submitted concepts for, and voted, on team names and logos. Based on the winning designs, Champion created the official on-field uniforms and practice apparel for the four teams.

Ekeler spoke to Touchdown Wire in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday:

Q: You play in arguably the best uniform in all of sports. How do these stack up?

A: The jerseys are different and I am a fan of not mainstream. The Wild Aces’ jerseys go from pink to blue. There is no pink in NFL uniforms.

Q: Why do you think the Chargers’ uniforms are so beloved?

A: We have a good color scheme. My favorite jersey is the all Navy. The yellow pops in the Navy jersey.

Q: Why did you decide to get involved with this league?

A: I started streaming in March/April, grew a good community. There was this new concept FCF that was going to be streamed on Twitch. It made sense as a strategic partner for them to bring me on. I am trying to expand my reach on Twitch platforms. Social media is 100 percent a positive, a tool that can be used correctly.

Q: Did you play anything like seven-on-seven in your youth?

A: I played seven on seven in high school … at camps. Because there are less people the amount of space makes you feel you can run anywhere and get open. The scores are always higher because if you get past one line there is no one there.

Q: Have you seen players that did not stick with the Chargers you have recommended to become part of the league or Wild Aces, specifically?

A: A few guys have reached out to me. It was too late for them to get in. Hopefully, this year goes well and I think this is a new opportunity for players.

Q: How did you stay in shape while injured given the challenges of COVID?

A: It has been an interesting year with injuries, hamstring, concussion at end of year. The wear of the NFL season is heavy. I hate it when I can’t work out. It feels like I am taking away some of my relaxation time. It is therapeutic.

Q: Was the adjustment to college similar to the NFL, given the ability we now know you have?

A: Coaches noticed me because I was as strong – stronger – as some of the upperclassmen. It was fast for me in college. Playing with people that were older. The mental part comes when you understand scheme. It is the same transition from college to the NFL. How can I use what I have used and make it work on the next level?

Q: When did you know you could play at the NFL level? Was there a moment?

A: My first regular season carry against the Eagles was a 35-yard touchdown run.

Q: Did you question your ability to leap from Western State to the NFL? And how did you absorb the big contract with the Chargers?

A: I never gave myself room to doubt myself. I don’t know if I ever dreamed of it. I always wanted to progress toward that. At first (it was hard to grasp), 100 percent. When you are around other people it Is normal. You understand it more.

You know how people say, ‘More money, more problems.’ I think money exemplifies your true character. It’s going to bring out the person I truly am. I live in the moment. The best chance you have to succeed is living in the moment—nothing matters except what you do to be better now. That’s who I am. That’s who I’ll continue to be.

Q: What, if anything, did you buy for someone after signing the four-year, $25 million contract?

A: I bought my mother (a real estate agent in Colorado) a truck. A Ford-150. She needed it. She was driving a van with 300,000 miles on it.

Q: Were you surprised Anthony Lynn was fired?

A: I wasn’t stunned. There was talk. Coach said let’s make sure we make the best of the opportunity.

Q: There is talk Urban Meyer intrigues the Chargers? Could you see him making the transition given the differences between college and pros?

A: I think it is a massive challenge because of the pressure put on that spot and the expected performance. Even when we were 7-9 it wasn’t good enough. There should be because there is pressure on us, too.

Q: Justin Herbert stepped in and had a magical season. Compare his savvy as a rookie to that you experienced with Philip Rivers? Did you feel Herbert carried himself more like a veteran than a first-year QB in the huddle?

A: I am stunned. You never know what you are gonna get especially at QB with a rookie. I think he is making a good run for Rookie of the Year.

Philip analyzed the game. Next level mental game. Philip had advantages. Justin will get there with time.

Q: Speaking of Rivers, do you think he plays another year or retires?

A: I think he will play as long as he can. As long as he can start, he will play.

Q: Has the NFL taken on more traits of the college game? And to that extent if you watched Alabama did you its offense taking on ideas from the NFL. Like DeVonta Smith being used to run routes like a Tyreek Hill, for instance?

A: Our team has because of Justin’s mobility. College QBs are more mobile. Read-option stuff. Lamar Jackson showed you can do this. Football is football. Regardless of what level you are playing at.

Q: You are in the same division as the Chiefs. What, if anything, do you see that separates them from the rest of the league?

A: The creativity of their offense. Different types and ways they keep you honest. I think it is Andy Reid testing the capability of his team.

Q: Picks this weekend in the Divisional round games?

Packers or Rams? Packers

Browns or Chiefs? Chiefs

Ravens of Bills? Ravens. I want to see Lamar Jackson win.

Bucs or Saints? It comes down to running back play. New Orleans.

Q: Who wins it all?

A: The half-billion dollar man wins it all again. They have so many different weapons.

Q: How can the Chiefs be stopped?

A: You’ve got to get pressure on Mahomes. We had an 11-point lead on them. We slowed down in the fourth quarter.

Official FCF and Champion gear for the four teams is available to purchase in the FCF online store at store.fcf.io.