Why did Ezekiel Elliott change his number? Cowboys RB to wear Ohio State number in Dallas return

Ezekiel Elliott is returning to the Cowboys.

Elliott played the first seven seasons of his NFL career in Dallas but elected for a change of scenery last season. The veteran running back took his talents to New England and put together a respectable 2023 campaign with the Patriots.

The 28-year-old proved he still has something left in the tank, and the Cowboys needed running back depth after losing starter Tony Pollard to the Titans in free agency . So Elliott is headed back to Dallas on a one-year deal to help fill that need, the team announced Tuesday.

When you see Elliott back in a Cowboys uniform, he might look a little different. Here's why.

MORE: Ezekiel Elliott contract details: Veteran RB returns to Cowboys

Why did Ezekiel Elliott change his number?

Elliott wore No. 21 in his first seven NFL seasons with the Cowboys, but he switched to No. 15 with the Patriots last year.

Elliott will stick with No. 15 in Dallas this time around instead of going back to No. 21, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Why No. 15? That was the number Elliott wore in college when he dominated at Ohio State.

To allow Zeke to wear No. 15 with the Cowboys, backup quarterback Trey Lance is switching his jersey to No. 19.

Purchase Ezekiel Elliott's Cowboys jersey through Fanatics!

Ezekiel Elliott Ohio State stats

The No. 15 jersey worked pretty well for Elliott in college. He tallied just shy of 4,000 rushing yards in three seasons, collecting 43 touchdowns.

Elliott's success led to the Cowboys taking the star running back No. 4 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

MORE: 10 biggest overreactions to 2024 NFL Draft

Ezekiel Elliott NFL stats

There is no denying that Elliott's best years came while rocking No. 21 in Dallas, but the veteran RB was still solid with the Patriots wearing No. 15 last season.

In 2023, Elliott had 184 carries for 642 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. And he proved he can still handle every-down work after starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson went down with an injury late in the season.

Bold indicates led NFL.