Ezekiel Elliott took the NFL world by storm, entering as a rookie running back from Ohio State. With over 1,600 rushing yards, the Dallas Cowboys star was named an All Pro in his first-ever season in the league.
Following a few more Pro Bowl-worthy performances, the running back secured a six-year, $90 million contract extension in 2019. It also included $50 million in guaranteed money.
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Giving this kind of money to a running back is often frowned upon in the NFL. The skill position is viewed as a risky investment given the recent trend of running back production levels declining early.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that was exactly the case with Elliott. The running back has yet to hit expected numbers since signing the monster contract. NFL insider Bobby Belt appeared in the Washington Football Post Podcast and said that the time for running back is up:
“Zeke could be rushing for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns this year, and I think he’s probably still done here (Dallas). You have to keep going. This contract was such an albatross for them, one of the worst deals in football.”
Belt continued that although the running back is a crowd favorite, it’s time for America’s team to put their emotions aside:
“As much as they love his toughness and things like that, it’s time to rip the band-aid off. He’s not the same player anymore.”
Ezekiel Elliott was determined to prove his doubters wrong in the 2022 NFL season
Ezekiel Elliott entered the 2021 NFL season with a lot of evidence after statistically having his worst season the year before. Unfortunately for the Cowboys star, a cruciate ligament tear in his knee hampered his progress.
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This was Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott facing a partial PCL tear in his right knee last season. Who he was before and after the injury should not be confused. Elliott will be fielding at OTAs this morning. Post-season, Cowboys is expected to revise his contract. dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys… https://t.co/cRb89n7ARB
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However, Elliott fought through the pain to finish the season with 1,002 rushing yards. When speaking to the media According to the Cowboys’ OTAs, the running back opened up about surviving the injury:
“I mean I was injured last year but it’s football, after week 1 no one is going to be 100%. It’s part of the game… I think we have to prove something every year.”
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Elliott’s role as running back one is in jeopardy amid the rise of his colleague Tony Pollard. As healthy competition brews between the two stars, Cowboys fans will be hoping their ground play will give opposing defenses a fight for their bucks.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Washington Football Post Podcast, NFL.com, and H/T Sportskeeda.
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