Ezekiel Elliott, once the face of the Dallas Cowboys, is being released by the team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news, saying Elliott has been informed, and the release will officially be designated after June 1 “to create cap space.”
The 27-year-old Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick by the Cowboys in 2016, burst on the NFL scene, leading the league in rushing for two of his first three seasons. He punctuated his big gains by bouncing up and flashing his trademark “Feed me” gesture.
Elliott translated his early success into a massive, six-year, $90 million contract ($50 million guaranteed) before the 2019 season, during which he rushed for more than 1,300 yards. But the carries and mileage took a toll, and Elliott had clearly lost a step the past couple of seasons, as backup Tony Pollard became the de facto lead back for the Cowboys.
End of an era: The #Cowboys have informed former NFL rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott that they are releasing him, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be designated as a post-June 1 release to create cap space. pic.twitter.com/QKZhkny76i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
Elliott finishes his Dallas career with 10,598 yards from scrimmage and 80 touchdowns. Unfortunately, the final memory of Zeke in a Cowboys uniform is not pleasant. Elliott got bulldozed while blocking on an ill-conceived trick play at the end of the postseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
The final play that sends the @49ers to the NFC Championship! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Du5KruFQ3q
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2023
This leads to the obvious question: Can Elliott catch on somewhere else and continue his career? That’s a question for another day, however. Wednesday was a time for Cowboys and NFL fans to remember Elliott’s great legacy in Dallas.
Thanks for the memories and your time as a Dallas Cowboy. It’s been a fun ride that I wished ended with a championship. Best of luck on your next chapter pic.twitter.com/sVqXLzckQB
— Ricardo Morales (@SpaceCowboyMED) March 15, 2023
It is truly the end of an era.
All the best to Ezekiel Elliott.
Thank you for so many wonderful memories. https://t.co/INsc87Slh1
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 15, 2023
Thank you Zeke, we won’t forget you or what you brought to this team 🥺
— cass (@cassandra_trask) March 15, 2023
Surprised #DallasCowboys made right choice here and cut Zeke. Loved him over the years but it was time. Thanks for the memories #EzekielElliott. #FeedZeke
— Aaron Perryman (@hooamp) March 15, 2023
Thank you Zeke for everything, one of my favorite Cowboy players
— NigerianPrince07 (@KuntaKente07) March 15, 2023
Thank you @EzekielElliott As a lifelong Cowboys fan, I really appreciated watching you over the years! Respected your grind and professionalism! Much love, good luck w your next team and future endeavors!
— Matt Bennett (@bennyatcollege) March 15, 2023
