BREAKING: Jerry Jones Issues Statement on Ezekiel Elliott’s Release

Dallas, TX – January 2, 2025 – In a move that has taken the sports world by surprise, Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, issued a heartfelt and reflective statement regarding the release of star running back Ezekiel Elliott. The announcement, which came after much speculation surrounding Elliott’s future with the team, marks the end of an era for the Cowboys’ offense.

Jones’ statement acknowledged the significance of Elliott’s contributions to the Cowboys, not only as a player but also as a leader within the organization. Elliott, drafted by the Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, had quickly risen to prominence as one of the league’s top running backs. His combination of power, speed, and vision made him an integral part of the Cowboys’ offense during his early years.

The statement from Jones reads:
“Today is one of the more difficult days in the history of the Dallas Cowboys organization. Ezekiel Elliott has been a cornerstone of our team, a true professional, and a key figure in many of our successes over the past eight seasons. He came in as a rookie and helped us shape our offense into one of the most feared units in the NFL. His passion for the game, leadership, and commitment to his teammates were unparalleled.”

Jones goes on to emphasize that Elliott’s release is part of the team’s ongoing commitment to adjusting to the evolving needs of the roster. “The business of football is never easy,” Jones continues, “but we remain focused on building a team that can bring championships back to Dallas. As we look ahead to the future, we know that the decision to part ways with Zeke was necessary, but it doesn’t diminish the respect and admiration we have for him as a player and as a person.”

Elliott’s tenure with the Cowboys had a remarkable start. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and led the league in rushing yards in his first two seasons. His dynamic playmaking ability helped propel the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and solidified his place as one of the most beloved figures in Dallas sports history. However, in recent years, his production had declined, and the team faced difficult decisions regarding his contract.

As Jones pointed out, the team’s financial situation, along with the emergence of younger players like Tony Pollard, made Elliott’s large contract increasingly difficult to manage. The decision to part ways with Elliott, who was set to make a significant amount in the upcoming season, came after weeks of internal discussions and analysis.

“We have the utmost respect for what Zeke has done for this team and this community,” Jones said. “His dedication to the Cowboys and the city of Dallas has been second to none. We will always remember the key moments he helped create, and we’ll never forget what he meant to this franchise.”

Elliott’s release also signals the start of a new era for the Cowboys’ backfield. Tony Pollard, who had emerged as a dynamic playmaker in his own right over the past couple of seasons, will now take on an even larger role in the offense. Pollard’s versatility, both as a runner and a receiver, had earned him increasing snaps alongside Elliott in recent years.

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, the team will look to fill the void left by Elliott’s departure through a combination of internal and external solutions. The Cowboys are already rumored to be considering options in the upcoming draft, where they could look to add depth to the running back position.

While the decision to release Elliott was met with some disappointment from fans and analysts, the Cowboys organization has remained resolute in their belief that this move will help the team build for long-term success.

Elliott himself issued a brief statement, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Cowboys. “I want to thank Jerry Jones, the entire Cowboys organization, my coaches, and my teammates for believing in me all these years. It’s been an honor to wear the star on my helmet, and I will always have love for this team and this city.”

Despite the difficult nature of this announcement, Jones made it clear that the Cowboys would continue to support Elliott in his future endeavors, whatever they may be. “We will always be here for Zeke,” Jones concluded. “We know his career is far from over, and we wish him nothing but success in whatever comes next.”

As the NFL world reacts to this stunning news, it’s clear that Ezekiel Elliott’s legacy in Dallas will not soon be forgotten. Whether it’s his memorable touchdowns, his determination on the field, or his larger-than-life personality, Elliott will forever be a part of Cowboys history. Now, with a new chapter opening for both the player and the team, all eyes will be on the next steps in this evolving story.