Rico Dowdle: From Undrafted Hopeful to Dallas Cowboys' Lead Back
The Dallas Cowboys, enduring a challenging season with a record of 3-6 and currently on a four-game losing streak, are finding a silver lining in the performance of an undrafted player. Rico Dowdle, a former University of South Carolina athlete, is stepping into the limelight as the leading running back for America’s Team amid an injury-strewn roster and a thin defensive line.
Dowdle, whose journey from undrafted free agent to the Cowboys' starting running back, has been characterized by resilience and tenacity, is making significant strides on the field. This season, he has accumulated 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, while also claiming three receiving touchdowns. His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he rushed for a career-high 87 yards and recorded a 22-yard receiving touchdown.
In the absence of Dak Prescott, sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery, and with DaRon Bland out with a stress fracture, the Cowboys have turned to Dowdle to bolster their offensive strategies. Dallas, which averages just 83.7 rushing yards per game—the second-fewest in the league—is bracing to face the Houston Texans, whose robust run defense ranks 11th in the NFL.
The Confidence of Coach McCarthy
Rico Dowdle’s rise is not only a testament to his abilities but also to the vote of confidence he has earned from head coach Mike McCarthy. “Definitely, you have to get him the ball. That's my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He's the lead back. I thought he had a really good first half [against the Eagles], and I think that's really illustrated by the attempts. Rico needs to touch the ball,” McCarthy emphasized, signaling the strategic pivot towards Dowdle’s offensive capabilities.
For Dowdle, such trust from the coaching staff is not just motivating but is a reward for overcoming the setbacks of the past. “It means a lot coming from Coach McCarthy. Showing that they got confidence, and they trusted me as the starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys. I take that with great pride," he expressed. "That's a good accomplishment coming from my situation, undrafted and all the adversity I've been through."
Rico’s Path: Adversity to Accomplishment
Reflecting on his journey from being undrafted to becoming a pivotal player for the Cowboys, Dowdle acknowledged the challenges he’s had to overcome, especially with injuries that previously threatened his career. “Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America’s Team. Definitely, I take great pride in that. That [injuries] was one of my things that was hindering me I guess when I broke my hip two, three years ago. Definitely gratifying. I've always had confidence that I would be able to go out there and get the job done,” he noted.
The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by Dowdle’s teammates either. Cooper Rush, the backup quarterback stepping in during Prescott's absence, praised Dowdle’s consistency and performance on the field. "Yeah, Rico's running hard. He's running fast, running hard. He broke a couple long ones there for us last week. He's been doing that all year. He's been consistent, and we look forward to every time he touches it," Rush commented, highlighting Dowdle's reliability.
Finding Rhythm Amidst Challenges
Dowdle attributes his current form to a single-minded approach: finding rhythm. With Tony Pollard, the team’s previous running back, having departed for the Tennessee Titans, Dowdle has seized the opportunity to establish himself as a playmaker. “The committee approach was something that wasn't working for us, so I stood firm on wanting to find that rhythm since the beginning. You want to be able to get out there and get the bulk of the carries and find that rhythm. ... It's all about finding that rhythm,” he stated.
With an unwavering focus on personal growth and a keen desire to deliver at a high level consistently, Dowdle is optimistic about his staying power with the Cowboys. “Yeah, for sure, in my past, it was all about the injuries and things like that, but now I feel that I've got my body in the best shape and best position possible for me. So I definitely think I can go out there and operate at a high level of consistency,” Dowdle asserted, as he continues to be a ray of hope for the team's season.
As the Cowboys set their sights on overcoming their losing streak, Dowdle’s journey from undrafted underdog to lead running back underscores a narrative of perseverance and potential, one that the Cowboys will rely on heavily as they continue to battle through their challenging season.