The Dallas Cowboys announced several number changes for the 2024 season, as well as the jersey number for former first-rounder Ezekiel Elliott who was newly signed on Tuesday. Elliott, after wearing No. 15 with the New England Patriots, will once again wear No. 21. It’s good news for Cowboys fans who never got rid of their Zeke jerseys when the team released him last offseason.
There was some mystery about whether Elliott would revert to 21 after playing in No. 15 with the Patriots. The 15 jersey is the same one he wore while starring for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Alas, having 21 next to No. 4 Dak Prescott, representing the DFW 214 area code, is too good of an opportunity to pass on.
Last season, the Cowboys gave the No. 21 jersey to veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore remains a free agent this offseason following the expiration of his contract.
Along with Elliott’s new number, the team also announced several switches for players on the roster last season. Wide receiver Maratvis Bryant will wear No. 84 after sporting 17 briefly in 2023. Sean McKeon, who spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad, wore 84 last season before his contract expired. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is taking the No. 1 jersey, which safety Jayron Kearse wore before the team let him walk in free agency this offseason.
Also, linebacker Damone Clark is switching from No. 33 to No. 18. Clark wore 18 while he was with the LSU Tigers. In LSU tradition, the player in the No. 18 jersey represents the team as a leader on and off the field.
Elliott ready to chase ring with Cowboys
In an exclusive with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram this week, Ezekiel Elliott opened up about his return to the Dallas Cowboys after his release from the team last spring. Though some critics, like Skip Bayless, have called the team’s decision a “PR move,” Elliott has clear intentions for his second opportunity with Dallas.
The former first-round draft pick landed in New England following his release from the Cowboys, and there, he did what he felt he needed to have a shot back on Mike McCarthy’s roster.
“This was my priority,” Elliott said at the Eric Dickerson Charity Golf Tournament. “Doing what I could do to get back here. I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”
While with the Patriots, Elliott served as a backup running back until he took over as starter for the final five games of the season. In 17 games played, he rushed on a career-low 184 carries, posting 642 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 313 yards and two more scores. Coming off of a PCL injury in 2022, the former Buckeyes star feels healthier than he did in his last stint in Dallas.
The Cowboys have quite a few running backs on the roster now, but none in an incumbent position to start. Jerry Jones told reporters he believes Elliott can still be a starter, and the running back has high hopes for the team in 2024.
“From 2016, we’ve been working on building this franchise to get a chance to win the Super Bowl,” Elliott said. “That is obviously the priority. That’s the bar.”
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