When the Dallas Cowboys allowed Rico Dowdle to test free agency, it raised a few eyebrows.
Through the first month of the 2025 season, Dowdle's lack of production (and opportunity) seemed to prove Dallas right in its decision. Then Sunday happened.
Dowdle exploded for 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and added 28 receiving yards for 234 total yards from scrimmage, helping power the Carolina Panthers' frantic comeback in a thrilling 27-24 win over Miami.
With Sunday's career-best performance still fresh, Dowdle knows the Cowboys can't ignore him as they prepare to face the Panthers in Week 6.
"They got to buckle up," Dowdle said of the Cowboys after the Panthers' win, via ESPN. "I think they know for sure. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason."
Dowdle is no stranger to productive Sundays in the NFL. In his first season as Dallas' top back, Dowdle rushed for a career-high 1,079 yards and scored a total of five touchdowns (two rushing, three receiving).
The Cowboys were aware of Dowdle's potential. After his rookie deal expired in 2023, Dallas signed Dowdle to a pair of one-year contracts in 2023 and 2024. But even after Dowdle proved himself as a viable back in 2024, the Cowboys headed in a different direction, choosing to replace him with Javonte Williams and add rookie Jaydon Blue to their room.
Dowdle accepted his next opportunity in Carolina with the understanding he'd revert to a spell back role behind Chuba Hubbard while playing on yet another one-year deal. When Hubbard couldn't go Sunday due to a calf injury, Dowdle sensed what was ahead and capitalized with a performance that rivaled the record set by a Panthers franchise legend, DeAngelo Williams, in 2012.
Dowdle finished just four yards shy of tying Williams' mark of 210 yards and confidently stated he'd have cleared it if dehydration didn't get in the way.
"If I didn't leave with cramps, I definitely would have gotten it,'' Dowdle said.
A 206-yard day isn't commonplace in the NFL, so it would be unrealistic for Dowdle to guarantee he'll replicate such a performance against his old team. But after knifing through Miami's defense and breaking through plenty of would-be tacklers on his memorable day, Dowdle is ready to bring the same brand to Dallas.
"They know I'm a violent runner," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting to the second level on them. They've just got to buckle up.''
