FRISCO, Texas -- Now that the Cowboys plan to release Ezekiel Elliott, he finishes his time with the Dallas Cowboys as the third-leading rusher in franchise history. Only Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett have more, proof of an exceptional run for the former first-round pick.
"We're a better franchise because of the example he set for veterans and rookies alike," owner Jerry Jones said in a statement released Wednesday.
Elliott is also a cautionary tale about paying running backs.
Both things can be true.
He was just the fifth rookie to lead the league in rushing since the 1970 merger when he finished with 1,613 yards in 2016.