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Elliott 'let them know I belong' during preseason debut

Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott got his first taste of the NFL on Thursday, impressing against the Seattle Seahawks' formidable defense.

The Seahawks apparently didn't welcome the first-rounder to the league with open arms.

"Just the rookie talk," Elliott said, according to Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site. "They thought they had to welcome me in because I'm a rookie, so they were giving me all that rookie talk. But I had to let them know I belong here."

The 21-year-old was clearly unaffected by the Seahawks' words, finishing the game with 48 yards on seven carries (6.9-yard average), showcasing the elite talent that convinced the Cowboys to take him fourth overall.

Related: Cowboys' Elliott shows no fear driving into Seahawks' Chancellor

His performance was aided by the Cowboys' dominant offensive line, which Elliott certainly recognized.

"I can only think of one run where someone tackled me that wasn’t in the second level," Elliott said. "When you're running on safeties all day it makes your job real easy."

Considering stars are usually given the fourth and final preseason game off, the rookie might not be seen again until the start of the regular season.

"It felt great to be out there," Elliott said. "I've been waiting so long to put the pads back on and go against a different team."

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