Ezekiel Elliott Returns to Dallas as a Member of the New England Patriots
By Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
Sep 27, 2023, 06:05 PM ET
FRISCO, Texas — After seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott is making his return to AT&T Stadium, but this time as a member of the New England Patriots. The running back, who became a fan favorite and the franchise’s third-leading career rusher, is expecting some emotions as he faces his former team.
“I mean, I don’t have that much time to be too emotional,” Elliott said during a conference call with Dallas media on Wednesday. “I’ve got to prepare for a game. I’ve got to go out and put my best foot forward. I mean, there are emotions. I may do a good job of kind of hiding them, but there will be some emotions.”
Elliott was released by the Cowboys on March 15 after a phone call with owner and general manager Jerry Jones. The decision was made due to declining production and a $16.7 million hit against the salary cap. Nine days before his release, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard.
“I talked on the phone with Mr. Jones, and he told me what was going on and that he didn’t necessarily want to do it but it’s just part of the business,” said Elliott, who signed a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019.
Despite rumors of a potential return to the Cowboys on a reduced contract, there was minimal talk about it. Elliott had a career-low 876 rushing yards last season but had previously won two rushing titles and had four 1,000-yard seasons with the Cowboys.
Elliott signed with the Patriots on Aug. 16, after training camp had already started. In three games with New England, he has accumulated 122 yards on 28 carries and caught six passes for 21 yards.
“I think I have plenty left in the tank,” Elliott said confidently. “I still think I’m a very good back.”
His absence is felt by his former teammates, with Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons mentioning Elliott’s presence and the joy he brought to the locker room. Coach Mike McCarthy also revealed that Elliott’s name continues to come up in meetings at least once a week.
Meanwhile, Pollard, who is currently fifth in the NFL in rushing with 264 yards on 62 carries in three games, credits Elliott for mentoring him.
“He’s had a great influence on me playing this game, just watching him, just watching how he does things, how he approaches things, his preparation throughout the week, his film study and things like that,” Pollard said. “Just trying to pick his brain, growing with him over time.”
As for Elliott’s communication with his former teammates, he admitted that he has not yet reached out to them this week. In fact, he mistakenly texted safety Jayron Kearse when he was trying to contact Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins.
The Cowboys have planned some kind of tribute to Elliott before kickoff, although the details are yet to be revealed.
“I don’t know what I’m necessarily expecting,” Elliott said. “It’s definitely going to be weird, just being in a different uniform, being in the visitor’s locker room. But I think it’ll just be a good experience kind of seeing the fans again.”
As Elliott prepares to face his former team, both he and the Cowboys will undoubtedly have mixed emotions. The game will serve as a reunion of sorts, allowing fans and players alike to reflect on the impact Elliott had during his time in Dallas.