The Dallas Cowboys drafted their star Ezekiel Elliott as the fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft and the running back also valued their effort by rushing for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns throughout seven seasons with the team, having a record of four 1,000-yard seasons. Nevertheless, the franchise decided to part ways with the veteran ahead of the new season.
The Cowboys selected their starter Dak Prescott with 135th overall in the same year as Ezekiel and the pair successfully secured the playoffs in 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022. For the first time since getting drafted in Dallas, Prescott will play without his Draft partner and hence, the quarterback planned something special for his ex-teammate.
Dak Prescott pays tribute to Ezekiel Elliott with Ohio State jersey choice
Prior to the Cowboys’ last preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Prescott planned a touchy tribute for Elliott by showing up to the AT&T Stadium wearing one of the RB’s Ohio State jerseys.
Dak Prescott pulled up to tonight’s game in Ezekiel Elliott’s Ohio State jersey. 🥹
(Via: @DallasCowboys) pic.twitter.com/vrVA0KcFxV
— Michael Bier (@MichaelJBier) August 26, 2023
The Patriots star used to wear the No. 15 at Ohio State, albeit he later switched to No. 22 after heading to the NFL with Dallas. Nevertheless, after securing a deal in New England, Zeke thought to go back to his college number and would now wear No. 15 for the team in 2023.
Dak earlier lamented after losing his long-time teammate to another NFL team saying he can’t imagine playing without him.
“It’s tough. I’ve been playing the game with a brother to start this NFL career and have shared so many memories. We grew up as men with this organization. I couldn’t imagine taking the field without him. I don’t know if it has completely hit me yet.”
The duo are set to face off against each other on October 1 when New England visits AT&T Stadium in Week 4 and prior to taking the field as rivals, the signal-caller’s heartwarming tribute to his former teammate served as a treat for many NFL fans.
Patriots secure Elliott on one-year contract with potential worth of $6 million
Elliott agreed with the Patriots on a one-year, $6 million deal, albeit to earn the full amount, he would have to showcase a performance level that was missing in his play for the last four years.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, his contract starts with a base salary of $1.55 million along with a $600,000 signing bonus, but the base salary will lessen to only $1 million if he suffers a season-ending injury before the regular season kicks off.
The three-time Pro Bowler will have to play a minimum of 70 percent of the Patriots offensive snaps while ensuring more than 1,475 yards on the field to earn the full $6 million, albeit he can earn at least $3 million if he manages to stay healthy and active this season. According to CBS Sports, he might end up earning an amount between $3 million and $4 million.
After witnessing a career-low 3.8 yards per carry in the Dallas backfield in 2022, it remains to be seen how Elliott proves his worth in Bill O’Brien’s Patriots offense. Do you think he will be able to bounce back to his earlier form and earn the full amount of his salary? You can share your thoughts in the comment section.
