While it appears Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys are moving forward from last week’s disciplinary situation, Troy Aikman recently offered some of his thoughts on what unfolded.
The running back didn’t travel for Dallas’ Week 9 game in Atlanta and was inactive for what became a 27-21 loss to the Falcons. Despite the benching, Jerry Jones described Elliott as an inspirational leader and an exemplary teammate.
Aikman echoed that sentiment during an appearance on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) on Thursday.
“When Zeke was holding out, when he got the big contract, I talked to a number of people in the organization and to a man, Zeke was the most inspirational, most respected guy in that locker room. I found it interesting,” Aikman said. “I didn’t disagree, necessarily. I don’t know Zeke that well, but when you ask, ‘Who’s the guy who holds this team together? Who’s the guy who brings a little levity? Who’s the guy who rallies the offense and the defense?’ It was always Zeke.”
Aikman believes the team holds Elliott to a standard since he’s seen as a respected locker room figure.
Before the Cowboys face the Eagles in Week 10, Mike McCarthy said Elliott would be available for the meeting between NFC East rivals. With Rico Dowdle establishing himself as the team’s lead back, Elliott could be competing with Dalvin Cook for a role in the offense.
“Where this is exactly, I don’t really know, but I do think that Zeke is a respected guy in the locker room and as such, he’s held to a standard,” Aikman said. “I don’t know that he’s held to a different standard, but it becomes even more important in my opinion that someone like him do the things that are being asked of the organization.”
Listen to the rest of Aikman’s radio appearance here.
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