The Dallas Cowboys made some headlines earlier this week with their signing of veteran running back Dalvin Cook. Cook brings plenty of experience to the table, having been one of the better running backs in the league over the years.
He had a down season last year while with the New York Jets, posting 214 yards and zero touchdowns over 15 games that he played in. But the veteran is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him being in Dallas.
Cook opened up about what his expectations are for his role this season. He will share the backfield with fellow veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, who returned to the Cowboys this offseason.
“Obviously I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to come in and help a great organization to win football games,” Cook said. “And as I look around and I look at the running back room, it’s a bunch of guys that I can go in there and run the football with.
Before he joined the Jets, Cook spent multiple years with the Minnesota Vikings. While in Minnesota, he rushed for over 1,000 yards in four consecutive years, including a spectacular 2020 season.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 17: Dalvin Cook #33 of the New York Jets looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Cook opened up about his expectations with the Cowboys this season.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Cook rushed for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns that year, his career-high in production. Since entering the league from Florida State, he has made four trips to the Pro Bowl.
Now, all he wants is to help his team win. Cook is looking to learn from Elliott and work together to get the Cowboys over the hump in the NFC.
“My years in Minnesota it was Dalvin, Dalvin, Dalvin, just give him the ball,” he said. “Now, just a little adjustment, help everybody, be productive, and that’s just my mindset. I’m going to be ready to go. Being around Zeke, I can obviously learn a lot from him. He’s older than me. Just soaking up the game, still. Learning from the young guys, too. Just being a part of this group, I feel like we’re going to push each other.”
Injuries have heavily impacted his career recently, but Cook is healthy and ready to go. The Cowboys want to keep Elliott fresh throughout the season, so Cook will likely be given a chance to show what he can do.
Cook wasn’t really given a chance while with the Jets, but he can turn his image of the league around with a strong year. Dallas is always in the news, so it will be vastly talked about no matter how Cook performs.
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