{"id":157826,"date":"2026-02-28T08:28:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T08:28:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=157826"},"modified":"2026-02-28T08:28:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T08:28:44","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-ezekiel-elliott-signs-one-day-contract-to-retire-as-a-cowboy-at-just-30-years-old-in-a-move-thats-sure-to-leave-a-mark-on-the-franchise-the-former-dallas-cowboys-star-running-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=157826","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 EZEKIEL ELLIOTT SIGNS ONE-DAY CONTRACT TO RETIRE AS A COWBOY AT JUST 30 YEARS OLD! In a move that\u2019s sure to leave a mark on the franchise, the former Dallas Cowboys star running back officially ends his career where it all began. Elliott\u2019s legacy as one of the most dominant backs of his era is now forever cemented in Dallas. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Arlington, TX \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0The Dallas Cowboys closed a chapter in franchise history on Sunday, announcing that one of their most iconic offensive stars would retire as a Cowboy after signing a ceremonial one-day contract.<\/p>\n

It marked the end of a career that began with fireworks and ended with sentiment. Once the heartbeat of Dallas\u2019 backfield, this player became synonymous with highlight runs, playoff pushes, and the \u201cFeed Me\u201d celebration.<\/p>\n

Fans watched his role shrink in recent years, culminating in a release after a brief stint with the Chargers. But rather than chase another team, he chose to come home and finish where it all began.<\/p>\n

That player is\u00a0Ezekiel Elliott<\/strong>, the bruising runner who recorded\u00a08,488 rushing yards and 83 touchdowns<\/strong>\u00a0over eight seasons in Dallas, ranking third all-time in franchise history behind only Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.<\/p>\n

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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott warms up before an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (AP Photo\/Tony Avelar)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Drafted fourth overall in 2016, Elliott exploded for 1,631 yards as a rookie, leading the league in rushing. He would top the NFL again in 2018 and earn three Pro Bowls, cementing his place among the game\u2019s elite.<\/p>\n

His career wasn\u2019t without turbulence. A six-game suspension in 2017 and criticism over declining efficiency in later years sometimes overshadowed his dominance. Yet when the playoffs came, his physicality always gave Dallas a chance.<\/p>\n

After splitting carries with Tony Pollard and returning as a secondary option in 2024, Elliott\u2019s production dropped to 226 yards. The Cowboys cut him before the postseason, but his legacy was already secure.<\/p>\n

\u201cZeke is a Cowboy forever,\u201d Jerry Jones said. \u201cHis passion, production, and presence defined an era here.\u201d For fans, his retirement closes a story of hurdles, heart, and unforgettable Sundays in silver and blue.<\/p>\n

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Arlington, TX \u2013\u00a0The Dallas Cowboys closed a chapter in franchise history on Sunday, announcing that one of their most iconic offensive stars would retire as a Cowboy… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":157827,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-157826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 EZEKIEL ELLIOTT SIGNS ONE-DAY CONTRACT TO RETIRE AS A COWBOY AT JUST 30 YEARS OLD! In a move that\u2019s sure to leave a mark on the franchise, the former Dallas Cowboys star running back officially ends his career where it all began. 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