Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns in his seven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys.
One Dallas Cowboys running back is on his way out, and another has come to his defense.
Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith was the latest Cowboy to speak out after former Ohio State Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott’s release, taking to the team’s comments section on Instagram to voice his pleasure Wednesday.
“Wow, this is amazing to me — no disrespect to Malik Davis. Our starting running back is gone, and his backup has a broken leg?” Smith said. “The NFL stands for not for long. Everyone else, go get your money because they have no love for you.”
Emmitt Smith commented on a Dallas Cowboys Instagram post that was acknowledging Ezekiel Elliott’s career and was clearly upset about the decision to release him.
“This is why, the NFL stands for not the law. Everybody else go get your money because they have no love for you.” pic.twitter.com/cYOXtRjqBL
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 17, 2023
Elliott was released by the Cowboys Wednesday after seven years with the franchise, a decision that was met with criticism from Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, who spent all 12 years of his career with the Cowboys.
Aikman said the decision was “gut-wrenching” while Prescott said he “can’t imagine taking the field without” Elliott.
The three-time Pro Bowler led the league in rushing in 2016 and 2018, as his career 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns both rank third in Cowboys franchise history behind Smith and Tony Dorsett, respectively.
Elliott could return to the Cowboys next season, but two other potential landing spots are the Houston Texas and Cincinnati Bengals, according to CBS Sports.
Smith said Elliott’s release didn’t make sense and is a decision that makes you shake your head, before singing his praises for the St. Louis native.
“Thank you Z for giving everything you have including [playing] injured all of last year,” Smith wrote.
