Ezekiel Elliott Makes Bold Statement After Rejoining Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott signed back with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week, and he wants everyone to know that he still has something left in the tank.

While speaking to Cowboys reporter Nicole Hutchison in his first interview since rejoining Dallas, Elliott said he already showed with the New England Patriots in 2023 that he can still produce.

“Just showing I can be a starter in this league,” Elliott said. “I can still play at a high level. I’m [going to] continue that here. … I’ve always prided myself on being an all-around back, back there. Not just running with the ball but [also] protecting the quarterback and catching the ball out of the backfield.”

Elliott played in every game for the Patriots this past season, rushing for 642 yards and three touchdowns while averaging a meager 3.5 yards per carry. He also caught 51 passes for 313 yards and a couple of scores.

The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Ohio State, was selected by the Cowboys with the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He spent the first seven years of his career in Dallas, making three trips to the Pro Bowl while earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. He also led the league in rushing twice, topping out at 1,631 yards during his rookie campaign.

“It feels great to be home,” added Elliott. “I definitely missed being here. I missed this building. I missed Cowboys’ nation. I’m definitely excited and ready to get this thing going.”

Of course, Elliott is hardly the same player he was during his prime years with the Cowboys.

Even in his most recent season in Dallas in 2022, the St. Louis native was showing obvious signs of wear and tear. While he registered 876 yards and 12 scores on the ground, he logged just 3.8 yards per attempt.

Elliott has also only totaled one 1,000-yard campaign over the last four years.

Still, for a Dallas backfield that is in desperate need of a boost, Ezekiel Elliott should at least be able to provide something, and he is clearly thrilled to be back where it all started.