Jerry Jones Dismisses Ezekiel Elliott’s Criticism, Defends Reduced Role as a Strategic Move

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has responded to former running back Ezekiel Elliott’s recent criticism regarding his reduced role in the team’s offensive game plan. Elliott, who spent seven seasons with the Cowboys, voiced his displeasure after leaving the team in 2023 and joining the New England Patriots.

In a public interview, he expressed frustration over the lack of involvement he had during his final season in Dallas, suggesting that his usage had been minimized in a way that did not reflect his capabilities.

However, Jones, ever the outspoken leader of the Cowboys, dismissed Elliott’s comments, offering a defense of the decision to scale back the running back’s workload.

Jones emphasized that the Cowboys’ decision to limit Elliott’s carries in 2022 and ultimately move on from him was part of a broader strategic vision designed to adjust to the evolving dynamics of the NFL.

“We’ve always been about putting our team in the best position to win,” Jones said. “The decisions made last year weren’t about Zeke’s talent or his character. It was about what we felt would give us the best chance for success in the long term.”

Jones, who has overseen the Cowboys for decades, pointed to the team’s need for a more diverse offensive approach in recent years.

With quarterback Dak Prescott continuing to develop and young talent like Tony Pollard emerging, the Cowboys made a calculated choice to shift away from being a run-heavy offense.

Pollard, who emerged as the team’s primary back in 2022, has shown explosive potential and ability to play a pivotal role in both the running and passing game. This strategic adjustment, according to Jones, was critical for the team’s future growth.

The Cowboys owner also noted that in today’s NFL, teams are increasingly looking to use running backs in a more specialized, versatile way.

Instead of focusing on a single bell-cow back, NFL offenses are moving towards a running back committee approach, where multiple players share the workload to keep fresh legs on the field. Jones insisted that Elliott’s role had to adapt to this new reality.

For Elliott, the transition to New England offers a fresh start, but his time in Dallas will always be remembered for the dominant seasons he had as the face of the franchise.

While Jones stands firm on his team’s strategic approach, it’s clear that Elliott’s legacy in Dallas is undeniable, even if his departure sparked a shift in how the Cowboys view their offensive makeup.