A Change of Scenery for Zeke
Ezekiel Elijah Elliott, also known as “Zeke,” is a talented running back who has made a name for himself in the NFL. He’s known for his impressive pass-blocking skills, and he’s one of the best in the league when it comes to converting third-down carries into first downs.
A New Beginning with the New England Patriots
After spending seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Zeke has embarked on a new journey for the 2023 season. He recently played his first game for the New England Patriots against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. This change in teams was not unexpected, given the ongoing discussions about the value of running backs and their salaries during the offseason.
Zeke’s New Team Colors
So, who is Ezekiel Elliott playing for now? He’s left behind the Dallas star and the No. 21 jersey to join the New England Patriots. The 28-year-old running back entered free agency and eventually signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in August, worth an impressive $3 million with potential incentives.
Supporting Role in New England
In his recent game with the Patriots, Zeke had seven carries for 29 yards, along with five catches for 14 yards. However, he also had a fumble as a pass catcher. He officially joined the team on August 16, 2023, but he’s not the main running back for the Patriots. Instead, he’s providing support for his teammate Rhamondre Stevenson, who is the starting running back for the New England Patriots.
Why Did Zeke Leave the Cowboys?
Ezekiel Elliott is currently listed as the No. 2 running back behind 25-year-old Rhamondre Stevenson, who had an outstanding 2022 season. But why did Zeke leave the Cowboys after six years?
It was widely speculated that the Cowboys might either reduce Zeke’s hefty $90 million contract or release him. The Cowboys eventually chose to part ways with their longtime running back due to a decline in his yards per game and overall performance. Zeke then decided to sign a one-year deal with the Patriots, which could potentially earn him up to $6 million with incentives.
Zeke’s Remarkable NFL Career
Ezekiel Elliott’s journey in American football began when he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Right from the start, it was clear that Zeke was something special, given the high price tag associated with his selection.
In his rookie season, Zeke showcased his skills by leading the league in rushing yards with an impressive 1,631 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. He was even named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
A Legacy with the Cowboys
During his time with the Cowboys, Zeke had a remarkable career:
- Total yards: 10,598
- Total touchdowns: 72
- Average yards per game: 80.2
- 2-time Rushing Title winner
- 3-time Pro Bowler
- 1-time All-Pro
When Zeke and Dak Prescott arrived in Dallas in 2016, they breathed new life into the Cowboys franchise and brought hope to the fanbase.
