Ohio State Buckeyes

Deion Sanders gives Ezekiel Elliott advice on staying focused in Dallas

Published Jun. 24, 2016 4:15 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Deion Sanders spent five years in Dallas playing for the Cowboys. He wore the No. 21 in each of those seasons, a number that has become synonymous with his Hall of Fame career. Now, a new future star for the Cowboys is wearing that same number: Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott, the Cowboys' first-round pick, has the potential to become a Hall of Famer himself. But playing under the bright lights and microscope in Dallas, Elliott will need to be completely focused both on and off the field. He has a great core of veterans around him to help him do just that, and received some advice from Sanders, who had his fair share of fun away from the field.

"I just want that kid to stay focused," Sanders said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. "Just stay focused. Don't get caught up in the lights, camera, action of the Dallas Cowboys, because it could be overwhelming. Because any news is big news when you're a Dallas Cowboy.

"He has to really understand that he's a professional football player, he's not a college kid."

Elliott never got himself into any trouble at Ohio State, aside from asking for more carries and calling out the coaching staff following a Buckeyes loss. But that just shows his competitive nature, not a lack of maturity.

Behind the Cowboys' offensive line and with Tony Romo handing him the football, Elliott landed in a perfect position with Dallas. He should come in right away and carry the ball 20-plus times a game.