The Dallas Cowboys attempted to run it back one more time in 2024. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott went from Boyz II Men in this organization, and were looking for One More Dance. Unfortunately, that Full Circle mission has reached the End of the Road with the team being eliminated from the playoffs prior to their Week 16 contest and now playing out the string. After the Cowboys took an embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, 41-7, it was clear that the feel-good story of recovery from a 3-7 start had evaporated.
On Tuesday, reality set in even further. Part of the “run it back” initiative was the re-signing of Elliott to once again join forces with Prescott. Released in 2023 as a cost saving measure, Elliott spent a season in New England with the Patriots. Brought back to be a locker room leader, Elliott hoped to have a key role in the Cowboys getting over the hump of playoff inadequacy.
Neither happened, and Prescott was lost for the season early to a major hamstring injury. Elliott was initially part of a running back committee he was eventually phased out of and Dallas’ season was an abject failure. As such, Elliott requested his release from the Cowboys before the end of the regular season, and his request was granted. This according to Josina Anderson.
Breaking: I’m told the #Cowboys are releasing RB Ezekiel Elliott, per source. I’m also told Elliott requested his release.@BovadaOfficial pic.twitter.com/y09ZdUX6er
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 31, 2024
With the beating NFL running backs take, the game will easily Pass You By, especially for someone with the amount of usage Elliott had during his first three seasons with the club. Leading the league in yards per game in each season, Elliott was in rarified air from 2016 through 2018. Only a six-game suspension in 2017 kept him from winning three-straight rushing titles.
After rushing for 5,405 yards through his first four years, the workload took its toll, leading to Four Seasons of Loneliness from 2020 through 2023, gaining 3,499 yards and averaging just 3.9 yards a carry.
This season, Elliott has averaged a career low 3.1 yards a tote while Rico Dowdle took over the lead back role and thrived over the last-half of the season.
Elliott currently has 9,130 career rushing yards, good for 40th all time in the history of the NFL. His 8,488 yards in a Cowboys uniform are good for third best in team history behind just Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
He’s earned a ton of respect for his efforts and demeanor over the years, something that has never been lost on owner Jerry Jones. As his career seemingly winds down, giving him the opportunity to latch on to a playoff contender is an honorable Thank You by the organization.
Elliott would often spend time On Bended Knee in the end zone before each game, getting his head right and preparing for battle. Now he will look to do that for his third franchise.