Last season was anything but smooth for Ezekiel Elliott due to an injury. Now the Dallas Cowboys running back feels he has “something to prove. “

Munich – Just four weeks into the 2021 NFL season, Ezekiel Elliott suffered a serious injury. The Dallas Cowboys running back suffered a partial tear in his posterior cruciate ligament, which would have meant the end of the season for many players. Not so for the 26-year-old.

Despite the pain, Elliott fought his way through the rest of the season and even started in the playoffs. His performances were not his best, but considering the circumstances, they were excellent.

Asked how he could play week in and week out with such an injury, Elliott replied at a team press conference that he believed it was just part of football and he never thought about sitting on the bench.

Zeke Elliott played despite injury

“I mean, I was injured last year, but that’s football, after the first week nobody is 100%. That’s part of the game,” Elliott classified the starting position.

And continued, “I think I knew I was tough. And I knew I could play with injuries … It was definitely tough, but hey, it’s my job. “

Despite the injury, Elliott was on the field as a starter in every Cowboys game. 1,002 rushing yards, ten rushing touchdowns, and 287 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air were on the scoreboard at the end of the season.

Teammates praise Elliott

However, even though Elliott has proven to be a top running back in the NFL for many years and delivered in pain last season, he feels he has something to prove this upcoming season. “I think we have something to prove every year.”

Among his teammates, the 26-year-old is earning plaudits for his attitude. “He’s a bulldog,” guard Zack Martin told reporters.

And further: “He loves this team and he gives everything for this team. It’s shown over the last two years. Think back to 2020. Half the offense is down and Zeke is still carrying the ball 20 times a game. We love Zeke a lot on this team, and we’re looking forward to him getting back on track. “