As former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott prepares to face his former team as part of the New England Patriots on Sunday, emotions are running high for “America’s Team.”
Current Cowboys players understand the need to set aside their emotions and perform at their best against Elliott. However, many, including Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, have openly expressed their gratitude for Elliott’s time in Dallas.
In the lead-up to the game, Jones has showered Elliott with praise. On Friday, Jones not only hinted at the possibility of Elliott earning a spot in the team’s ring of honor but also declared that Elliott’s homecoming would be the most significant in team history.
Jones even compared Elliott’s return to that of another legendary running back, NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, yet still deemed Elliott’s return to be even more impactful.
Jones shared his thoughts on 105.3 The Fan: “I’ll tell you, not any more so than Zeke. I don’t think I can recall anyone more than Zeke.
Emmitt, when he went to the Cardinals for two years, that was quite a time. I remember that he got hurt sometime early in the ballgame.
I really felt the same way as I would have if he had been with the Cowboys at the time.
“Just can’t describe the positive things that Zeke brings. It’s a concern for me for him to play with the Patriots.
Just his demeanor in the dressing room, in practice, in a way, it was as powerful as when you see him get that body low below his center of gravity and punish those tacklers.”
Elliott, aged 28, and the Cowboys parted ways this offseason after seven years together. During that time, he rushed for over 8,000 yards and scored 68 touchdowns, securing the league’s rushing title twice.
While his performance had declined in recent years, his departure was primarily due to his hefty contract that extended until 2026.
Offseason rumors hinted at a potential return to Dallas for Elliott on a more affordable contract, but no deal materialized.
When Elliott steps onto the field at AT&T Stadium, it’s expected that both Cowboys fans and team personnel will show their deep appreciation for his contributions to the franchise.