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Deion Sanders' advice to Ezekiel Elliott: 'Stay focused'

Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY Sports

No stranger to the big stage, Deion Sanders knows exactly what Ezekiel Elliott will be dealing with in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Hall of Fame defensive back offered some advice to Elliott recently in an interview with Sports Illustrated, suggesting that blocking out distractions will be key for the first-round rookie to find success.

"I just want that kid to stay focused," Sanders said. "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."

With Tony Romo and Dez Bryant leading the passing game, and Elliott running behind what may be the NFL's top offensive line, Dallas has all the pieces in place to field a high-powered offense.

Sanders wouldn't say whether he believes his former team is in line to make a playoff run, but he did credit Jerry Jones for consistently having the Cowboys in a position where such a result is possible.

"The thing about Jerry Jones, he's the best ever," Sanders said. "He's the best owner. He's the best marketer. He allows us to believe that every year the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to win the Super Bowl. And for that, he is unbelievable."

Injuries to both Romo and Bryant played a significant role in a disappointing 4-12 finish to the 2015 season. The Cowboys enter training camp looking to recapture the level of play they enjoyed the year prior, where a 12-4 mark earned them their first NFC East title since 2009.

- With h/t to FOX Sports

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