Jerry Jones releases statement on Ezekiel Elliott release

The Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with longtime star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and owner Jerry Jones explained the decision in a statement released on Wednesday. Elliott has been a star for Dallas since being drafted with the fourth-overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, and the statement released by Jones about his departure reflected his incredible impact on the franchise.

Jerry Jones on Ezekiel Elliott’s release

Coming out of Ohio State, Elliott has been the head of the rushing attack for Dallas every year since his rookie season. Last season however, the emergence of Tony Pollard led to a two-headed attack for the Cowboys that ultimately led to tough contract decisions this offseason. After applying a franchise tag to keep Pollard, Dallas made the call to release Elliott to save millions in cap space.

Jones acknowledged the business aspect of their decision as a franchise, but made it clear that Elliott has been — and will continue to be — a lasting part of the Dallas Cowboys organization.

“Zeke’s impact and influence is seared into the Cowboys franchise in a very special and indelible way,” said Jones. “He has been a consummate professional and leader that set a tone in our locker room, on the practice field and in the huddle. Zeke defined what a great teammate should be, and anyone that has ever played a team sport would be lucky to have a teammate like Zeke and be much better for it. His commitment and passion for winning is selfless, and the accountability he brings everyday earned the respect of our coaches, his teammates and our entire organization. He wore the Cowboys Star with pride and purpose every single time he put it on, and we’re a better franchise because of the example he set for veterans and rookies alike. That carried over into our community as well, with Zeke’s generosity and spirit about giving and caring for others.

“We have mutually agreed with Zeke that the best decision for everyone is that he will be able to experience free agency, and we can increase our flexibility and options as well. This is one of the toughest parts of operating a team. Moments like this come, and extremely difficult decisions and choices ae made. For the franchise. For me personally. For players too. We will always have a special place and love for Zeke and what he means to our Cowboys family, both as a person and a player. That will never change.”