FOXBOROUGH, MA — It's a whole new environment for Ezekiel Elliott. 

The running back has spent the last seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, Dallas decided to move forward with Tony Pollard as their top running back, electing to release Elliott. 

And, as a longtime admirer of Elliott, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick swooped in and signed the running back to a one-year deal. 

But regardless of what happened, Elliott only has good things to say about a place that will always be special to him.

"Definitely enjoyed my time in Dallas," Elliott told A to Z Sports. "Dallas will always be home. That's where I'll be in the offseason."

Elliott was then asked about what his biggest takeaway was from his time with the Cowboys, and the running back had to take a minute to think about it. With a smile on his face, he thought through all the memories and lessons throughout his seven years. 

And in the end, he was able to pick one: "The importance of just the camaraderie and just being a close teammate."

Dak Prescott was one who was especially close with Elliott, with the two being in the same draft class. And their arrival can only be described as a Cinderella Story. The Cowboys went 13-3 that season, earning the top seed in the NFC. And Prescott was clearly upset when Elliott was released. 

However, Elliott has seen a decline in recent years, with some of the explosiveness he started with, seemingly missing from his game. Yet, he remains a strong running back in the red zone and on third downs. 

Regardless, he is highly regarded among the Cowboys, having finished his career in Dallas with 1,881 carries for 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns along with 305 receptions for 2,336 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns across 103 games. 

So while the ending to his career with the Cowboys might not have been what he imagined, the place will always be home for Elliott. 

"Great fan base," Elliott said. They showed me so much love. Very grateful to them."

Ezekiel Elliott trying to prepare for one of New England’s biggest obstacles

Just wait until the temperature begins to drop.

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