Cowboys’ Dak Prescott talks ‘powerful’ Ezekiel Elliott launch: ‘It harm me’

Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones stated it was the “greatest resolution for everybody” that operating again Ezekiel Elliott was launched by the workforce on Wednesday, however his teammates nonetheless really feel the sting of it.

Quarterback Dak Prescott has been with Elliott since they had been each drafted in 2016 by the Cowboys. Elliott was the fourth total decide that 12 months, whereas Prescott got here out of Mississippi State within the fourth spherical.

They’ve developed fairly the friendship these previous few years on and off the sector, which makes this launch extra like shedding a member of the family for Prescott.

Dallas Cowboys operating again Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a landing throughout the second half of an NFL soccer sport in opposition to the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

“It’s powerful, a brother,” Prescott informed NFL.com. “Playing the sport with a brother. To be capable of begin this NFL profession and share so many reminiscences and develop up as males … with this group. Really cannot think about taking the sector with out him. I do not know if it is utterly hit me but. Obviously, I’ve talked to him. I’m harm. I’m positive he’s. It’s extra necessary for me to have the ability to help him. I do know he is received extra alternatives coming his approach and love that man, happy with him.”

Elliott parting methods with the Cowboys comes after he agreed to a six-year, $90 million contract, $50 million of which was assured. That took him by way of the 2026 NFL season with the Cowboys.

However, there was an opt-out clause the workforce might train in 2023, and that’s precisely what the entrance workplace felt was the proper transfer.

COWBOYS RELEASE EZEKIEL ELLIOTT AFTER SEVEN SEASONS IN DALLAS

The emergence of operating again Tony Pollard within the workforce’s offense is a key motive why Elliott’s departure isn’t all that shocking. He was a excessive cap hit, and Pollard’s manufacturing – 1,007 dashing yards, 371 receiving yards, 12 whole touchdowns – had him on the sector most of the time.

Elliott averaged 3.8 yards per carry, dashing for 876 yards on 231 makes an attempt. He was a favourite on the aim line, although, as he had 12 touchdowns on the bottom to guide Dallas final season.

Elliott’s hard-nosed operating fashion is one thing Prescott has cherished taking part in with through the years.

Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts throughout an NFL divisional spherical playoff soccer sport 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’s a man that, man, he performed this sport – did the whole lot about this sport – the proper approach,” Prescott stated. “Had enjoyable, [he] did that. But when it was time to lock in, when it was time to focus and to offer the whole lot that you just had and to indicate your teammates and present the youthful guys what actually mattered and the right way to get issues performed, Zeke was a man to comply with. Just of the right way to be a professional and the right way to be a professional with a smile in your face – and having fun with this sport and having fun with life.”

Turnover and transition have been phrases the Cowboys are used to since Prescott and Elliott entered the league. Only 10 remaining gamers are on the roster from the 2019 squad.

COWBOYS ACQUIRE 5-TIME PRO BOWLER STEPHON GILMORE TO BEEF UP SECONDARY: REPORTS

“I did not see today coming – a part of the enterprise,” Prescott stated.

The enterprise is merciless, however it also needs to produce a brand new dwelling for Elliott within the league. Though he’s had harm issues, Elliott’s work ethic and skill to combat contact for extra yards ought to lead the 27-year-old elsewhere.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks at a information convention after an NFL divisional spherical playoff soccer sport in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Elliott totaled 8,262 yards and 68 dashing touchdowns in his seven seasons with the Cowboys.