Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still be primary running back in return to Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott's reunion with the Dallas Cowboys comes long after his days as a two-time rushing champion, presumably as part of a committee of running backs.

The 2016 All-Pro isn't ready to settle for such a role just yet.

"I think I still am a dominant guy," Elliott told reporters at a Cowboys charity event Wednesday night, a day after signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. "I’ve got to go out there and prove that. That’s the motivation. I think you all know how I feel about competing and leaving it all out there for my team."

One thing will be different for sure: Elliott's jersey number.

He's sticking with 15, his Ohio State number, and his choice for his only season with the New England Patriots after becoming an instant star in Dallas while wearing No. 21.

"I just kind of look at it as a different era," said Elliott, who will turn 29 about the same time the Cowboys report to training camp in California in July. "Since they made the rule that running backs could wear the single digits or the teens, I knew I wanted to switch."

After getting drafted fourth overall in 2016, Elliott teamed with quarterback Dak Prescott to create a dynamic rookie pairing that led Dallas on an 11-game winning streak and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. 

Prescott then edged Elliott for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after the Cowboys lost to Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay in their playoff debut.

The usually stoic Prescott was clearly bothered by the release of Elliott after seven seasons in a cost-cutting move last year. It went without saying how Prescott would react to his return.

"Super excited," Prescott said. "Knowing our history, my experience with him as a brother, but in this case as a teammate. Understanding what