A series on the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season wouldn’t be complete without Rico Dowdle, a name that’s become synonymous with grit, persistence, and proving doutbers wrong. His journey isn’t just inspiring; it’s relatable to anyone who’s ever had to claw their way up through the ranks while shaking off the weight of low expectations.

Rewind to the 2024 NFL Draft. Cowboys fans and analysts alike were collectively side-eyeing the team for not drafting a running back. The headlines were ruthless. One late-April gem declared, “Cowboys in Crisis: Worst Running Back Problem Since Emmitt Smith Cut.” Ouch. For Dowdle, waking up to stories like that probably felt like watching someone critique your cooking without tasting a bite.

Fast forward to Week 15, and the narrative had shifted in a major way. Dowdle’s impact on the Cowboys offense was so undeniable, it inspired headlines like How Rico Dowdle has transformed into an RB1 force for Cowboys.

But to be clear, Dowdle didn’t stroll into the starting lineup on a red carpet. He had to prove himself several times and in multiple ways in order to become Dallas’ lead back.

Back in training camp, analysts were already calling him the team’s best running back. The Cowboys, however, opted for a “running back by committee” approach to start the season.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t giving what it was supposed to give.

The offense sputtered, and whatever they were calling a run scheme got dragged for being as confusing as it was ineffective.

Meanwhile, Dowdle quietly made his case. With limited chances in Weeks 2 through 4, he averaged over four yards per carry, proving he was ready for more. When his big moment finally came, a 20+ carry game on the road against the Steelers, he didn’t just show up. He showed out. By Week 11, the Cowboys officially handed him the keys to the backfield.

For an 2020 undrafted free agent, being named the lead back is already an impressive feat. But Rico Dowdle wasn’t about to stop there.

By the end of the season, he had rushed for over 1,000 yards—the first UDFA in Cowboys history to do so—while maintaining a career-high 4.6 yards per carry. It wasn’t just a breakout season; it was a full-on statement.

Late in the season, Mike McCarthy told the press that the next step for Dowdle is to become an every-down back. Should the cards fall in such a way that he’s expected to meet that challenge next season, one thing’s for sure, Rico Dowdle will be ready to make his mark. Again.