NFL: DeMarco Murray thought he'd return to Cowboys

Omnisports

October 16, 2016 12:07 AM

DeMarco Murray thought for sure he was going to return to the then-running back needy Dallas Cowboys for the 2016 season.

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After becoming frustrated in Chip Kelly's full-participation offense with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, DeMarco Murray wanted out.

He led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards with the Dallas Cowboys a year prior, but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry with eight total touchdowns in 15 games with the Eagles.

"My heart just wasn't there," Murray told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I felt it was a situation where I needed a fresh start, and I was granted that by Howie [Roseman] and Jeffery [Lurie], who is a great guy. Really good people. I was fortunate to have that relationship with them, so I could tell them, 'This is where it is. I think it would be best for both sides if I find a new home.'"

Murray thought for sure he was going to return to the then-running back needy Cowboys for the 2016 season.

"It was like 95 percent sure I was going to come back there," Murray said.

"There were some things that fell through and just didn't happen. I think everything happens for a reason. I'm here [in Tennessee], and I'm supposed to be here. They've got a pretty good young back over there [in Dallas] as well."

Instead Dallas used their fourth overall pick on running back Ezekiel Elliott and brought in Alfred Morris as the Eagles traded Murray to the Tennessee Titans in March.

Still, Murray often thinks about the Cowboys, even Elliott.

"He's doing well," Murray said. "He's very elusive. He's very fast. I didn't know he was that fast, but he turned on the jets. He's doing well for them. Those guys are blocking well for him. I wish them a good year as well.

"I have a lot of respect for those guys — the Jones family, Will [McClay], coach [Jason] Garrett obviously and [Tony] Romo and Wit [Jason Witten], all those guys. I still consider them a great franchise, and they're great friends of mine."

Omnisports

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