Ezekiel Elliott, the former star running back of the Dallas Cowboys, has made a surprising move by joining the New England Patriots. But that’s not the only change he’s making. In a tweet, Elliott confirmed that he will be switching jersey numbers as well.
During his time with the Cowboys, Elliott wore No. 21 on his back. However, the Patriots’ current roster shows that No. 21 is already taken by veteran defensive back Adrian Phillips. It’s unclear whether Elliott approached Phillips to ask for the number, but instead of pursuing it, he decided to reclaim his old Ohio State number.
While playing for the Buckeyes, Elliott sported No. 15, and it was during those years that he established himself as a dominant force in college football. He recorded consecutive 2,000-yard seasons from scrimmage in 2014 and 2015, amassing impressive touchdown totals of 18 and 23 in each respective campaign.
The Cowboys selected Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time proving his worth. In his rookie season, he led the league in rushing with a career-best 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his eight seasons in Dallas, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and twice led the league in rushing.
Now at 28 years old, Elliott is motivated to prove that the Cowboys made a mistake by letting him go. Joining the Patriots offers him a fresh start and an opportunity to continue his success in the NFL.
This surprising move has left Cowboys fans with mixed emotions. The speculation and rumors surrounding Elliott’s departure finally came to an end when Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported his decision to sign with New England.
While it remains to be seen how Elliott will perform with the Patriots, his change of scenery and jersey number signify a new chapter in his career. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if the running back can continue his dominance on the field and help lead the Patriots to success.
As with any major player move, opinions are divided. Some fans may view Elliott’s decision as an excellent opportunity for him to revitalize his career, while others may question whether he can match the level of success he achieved in Dallas.
Only time will tell how this surprising move pans out for Ezekiel Elliott. Until then, football enthusiasts will eagerly await the start of the season to see the running back donning his new No. 15 Patriots jersey.
