Cowboys' Elliott: Defensive backs don't want to tackle me

Through his first seven games in the NFL, Ezekiel Elliott has shown he's not afraid to run - or hurdle - over a defender.

The Dallas Cowboys' star rookie running back has done both to sterling results, as he leads the league in rushing with 799 yards.

Elliott explained why it seems he's taken to leaping over defenders more often lately.

"I wouldn't say I look for (contact). During the game, there has to be a moment where you have to set the tone. You have to let them know that you're a physical player. When you let those defensive backs know that you're a physical player, they don't really want to tackle," Elliott said, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. "That's it. That's why you see me get a hurdle every game. Those guys don't want to tackle me when I get to the second level."

Elliott punctuated that point by sending a video message to Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill on Instagram on Friday. It contained a replay of the runner hurdling an Eagles defender in the Cowboys' overtime win last week.