Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said it was the «best decision for everyone» that running back Ezekiel Elliott was released by the team on Wednesday, but his teammates are still feeling the pain.
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been with Elliott since the two were drafted by the Cowboys in 2016. Elliott was the fourth overall pick that year, while Prescott exited Mississippi State in the fourth round.
They’ve developed a great friendship over the past few years on and off the field, which makes this release more like losing a member of the Prescott family.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, May 11. December 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
«It’s tough, bro,» Prescott told NFL.com. «Playing the game with a brother. Being able to start this NFL career and share so many memories and grow as men … with this organization. I really can’t imagine going out on the field without him. I don’t know if it’s completely hit me yet. Obviously «I’ve talked to him. I’m hurt. I’m sure he is. It’s more important for me to be able to support him. I know he has more opportunities coming his way and I love that guy. Proud of him.»
Elliott’s parting with the Cowboys comes after he agreed to a six-year, $90 million contract, $50 million of which was guaranteed. That got him through the 2026 NFL season with the Cowboys.
However, there was an opt-out that the team could exercise in 2023, and that’s exactly what the front office felt was the right move.
COWBOYS RELEASE EZEKIEL ELLIOTT AFTER SEVEN SEASONS IN DALLAS
The emergence of running back Tony Pollard in the team’s offense is a key reason Elliott’s departure isn’t all that surprising. It was a high-salary-cap success, and Pollard’s production (1,007 rushing yards, 371 receiving yards, 12 total touchdowns) had him on the field more often than not.
Elliott averaged 3.8 yards per carry, rushing for 876 yards on 231 attempts. However, he was a goal-line favorite, as he had 12 rushing touchdowns to lead Dallas last season.
Elliott’s tough running style is something Prescott has loved to play with over the years.
Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts during an NFL Divisional Round football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
«Zeke is a guy who, man, played this game, did everything about this game, the right way,» Prescott said. «We had fun, [he] made. But when it came time to focus, when it came time to focus and give everything he had and show his teammates and show the younger guys what really mattered and how to get things done, Zeke was a guy to watch. Just how to be a professional and how to be a professional with a smile on your face, and enjoy this game and enjoy life.»
Rotation and transition have been words the Cowboys have been used to since Prescott and Elliott entered the league. Only 10 remaining players are on the 2019 squad roster.
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«I didn’t see this day coming, part of the business,» Prescott said.
Business is cruel, but it should also produce a new home for Elliott in the league. Although he has struggled with injuries, Elliott’s work ethic and ability to fight contact for more yards should take the 27-year-old somewhere else.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks at a news conference after an NFL divisional round football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, January 22, 2023. . (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
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Elliott totaled 8,262 yards and 68 rushing touchdowns in his seven seasons with the Cowboys.