The former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has found himself in the spotlight after earning an unusual comparison to Hollywood's Rodney Dangerfield from an NFL analyst, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report.

Earlier in March, Dowdle signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is entering this season with high expectations.

"Rico Dowdle is the Rodney Dangerfield of running backs. The man just can’t get no respect,” wrote Davenport on July 4. “Despite topping 1,000 yards on the ground each of the past two years, Dowdle doesn’t get a lot of run when folks talk bout running backs.”

Analyst Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report argued that Dowdle's numbers deserve more recognition than they receive. Even after proving himself with back-to-back productive seasons, the veteran has rarely been included in conversations about the league's top running backs.

Dowdle's reunion with former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh could give him one more opportunity to silence critics.

He rushed for 1,079 yards with Dallas in 2024 before rushing for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. In 2025, he also caught 39 passes for 297 yards and another touchdown before signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract with Pittsburgh in free agency.

Heading into the 2026 season, Dowdle has a chance to make history. If Dowdle makes the 1,000-yard mark again, he would become the first running back in NFL history to record 1,000-yard rushing seasons with three different franchises.

He would also join Ricky Watters and Willis McGahee as the only players to record 1,000-yard seasons for three different NFL teams.

Davenport's comparison with the Hollywood star reflects the perception that Dowdle has consistently been overlooked despite producing wherever he has played, something he now has another chance to change in Pittsburgh.

Rico Dowdle has another chance to prove doubters wrong

After rising as Dallas' first 1000-yard rusher since 2021 during the 2024 season, the Cowboys chose to part ways with Rico Dowdle. Dowdle rewarded Carolina with another 1,000-yard season, continuing to prove he could thrive as a featured back.

"Not necessarily that it doesn't mean something to me, but it's behind me now," Dowdle said, as per Andrew Vasquez of Steelers Wire. "Now, it's can I go do it again? I've gotta go do it again this year. Doesn't really matter. I've got to where I'm at now, I've did it, I'm definitely proud that I've been able to accomplish that, being undrafted."

Dowdle recorded a 1,000-yard season with a 186-yard performance against his former team. He has now posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while proving he can thrive as a featured back, something Dallas never committed to until his final year.

Another productive season in Pittsburgh would only add more weight to Davenport's belief that Dowdle deserves far more respect around the league.

What do you think Rico Dowdle will reach his third 1000-yard mark again? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Rudra Dubey