Ex-Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott admits 'priority' was to convince Cowboys to take him back

After a one-year stint with the Patriots, Ezekiel Elliott is a Dallas Cowboy once again.

New England picked Elliott up last year after the Cowboys cut him. Dallas drafted Elliott, and he stayed for the first seven seasons of his career. He made three Pro Bowls and won a pair of rushing titles during that span.

According to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Elliott's goal in signing with New England was to prove that he could still play so that the Cowboys would take him back.

"This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here," Elliott said according to the report. "I have a lot left to accomplish here. I'm excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring."

Elliott led the Patriots in carries (184), rushing yards (642), and catches (51) last season. The Cowboys lost starting running back Tony Pollard in free agency.

Although Elliott averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry behind New England's offensive line, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he believes Elliott still has some gas left in the tank.

"I know this, I saw as recent as the end of the year, I saw Zeke play," Jones said. "And I will tell you he's good enough to be a starter."

Elliott also believes he's still capable of being an NFL starter.

"I feel like I'm still a starter," Elliott said. "I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team."

Elliott said seeing the way another team is run was a valuable experience, despite the 4-13 season.

"I can play at high level at other places," Elliott said. "I went down to New England. It wasn't a year we wanted. We struggled as a team. But it was cool to kind of get a taste of another franchise and see how things are done."

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