In The Offseason of the Running Back—a six-month period where the financial and tactical state of one of football’s most glamorous positions made near-constant headlines—Ezekiel Elliott was largely forgotten.
Supplanted by Tony Pollard in the Cowboys' room in 2022, Elliott was unceremoniously released on March 15 after seven years in Dallas. The Ohio State great had once been among football’s most potent backs—he was the league’s leading rusher in ’16 and ’18—but his decline was undeniable.
On Monday, the Patriots reportedly signed Elliott to a one-year contract, giving quarterback Mac Jones a veteran offensive piece and Elliott a new home. Needless to say, the football world's reactions varied.
New England running back James White welcomed his new backfield mate.
I like it 🔥 https://t.co/IVDkzav6NO
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) August 14, 2023
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, too, expressed excitement. Meanwhile, some fans pointed out that the pair had already met.
Jayson Tatum 🤝🏽 Zeke🔥 #Patriots #celtics pic.twitter.com/YpS0zS29si
— CelticPride☘️ (@celspride1946) August 14, 2023
Zeke and Tatum 👀 pic.twitter.com/QQm1vtWEl4
— AllTHINGSBOSTON (@CELTICSVSREFS) August 14, 2023
Jokes abounded about Elliott’s ill-fated final snap with the Cowboys, against the 49ers in January's NFC divisional playoff.
Zeke Elliott gives the Patriots some much-needed depth at running back and center.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 14, 2023
Zeke’s last play as a Cowboy: pic.twitter.com/psEn6x8Gh9
— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) August 14, 2023
Boston superfan and The Ringer‘s Bill Simmons endorsed the move.
Zeke turned only 28 last month, he’s an excellent pass blocker, he had 22 TDs the past 2 years, and he’s going to be a winning mentor for the future 5-time Pro Bowler Malik Cunningham… I am IN.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 14, 2023
For better or for worse, comparisons flew to another aged talent plying his trade in Boston in 2011.
Zeke on the patriots pic.twitter.com/IgfDJNnjBH
— 𝙻̷𝚞̷𝚜̷ 📯 (@Theylovelus) August 14, 2023
Fans quickly singled out the Patriots’ Oct. 1 trip to Dallas as a game to watch.
Zeke Headed To New England……..
— JESSE (With No “i”) (@Mr4thAndLong) August 14, 2023
Circle The Calendar 10/1/2023 3:25pm
Cowboys vs New England @ AT&T
