Most "revenge game" narratives are more of a media creation than a true vendetta, but for Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, his first matchup against his former team is personal.
Dowdle told the Dallas Cowboys to "buckle up" ahead of Week 6, after Dowdle wasn't retained on the heels of a 1,000-yard rushing season.
While Dowdle had to settle for a complementary role in Carolina, he broke through in Week 5 with 206 yards and a touchdown on the ground in place of Chuba Hubbard. With Hubbard out again in Week 6, Dowdle took center stage against his former team.
Here's what you need to know about Dowdle's exit from Dallas in free agency.
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Why did Rico Dowdle leave the Cowboys?
Dowdle had a strong season for the Cowboys in 2024, rushing for 1,039 yards on 4.6 yards per carry after Tony Pollard left for the Tennessee Titans, and he even made an impact as a pass-catcher with 249 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
The Cowboys, however, didn't even make an offer to Dowdle, according to NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe. Dallas instead chose to sign Javonte Williams for about the same price as Dowdle, giving Williams a one-year, $3 million deal while Dowdle signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with Carolina.
Dallas may have been concerned about Dowdle's ability to sustain that production, given it was his first season making such a high impact. A coaching change may have also contributed to the decision, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer received the keys to the offense that was led by Mike McCarthy in 2024.
While Schottenheimer was part of McCarthy's staff as offensive coordinator, he said the team "fell in love" with Williams ahead of free agency. "Rico was a guy that we considered keeping, and we kind of fell in love with Javonte," Schottenheimer told reporters.
With Williams locked in, the Cowboys passed on giving Dowdle a contract, forcing Dowdle to settle for a complementary role behind Hubbard with the Panthers.
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Rico Dowdle stats vs. Cowboys
Dowdle shredded the Cowboys' defense, as he promised, leading the Panthers to a 30-27 victory:
- Carries: 30
- Rushing yards: 183
- Yards per carry: 6.1
- Rushing TD: 0
- Catches: 4
- Receiving yards: 56
- Receiving TD: 1
Dowdle was a workhorse for Carolina with Hubbard out, receiving 34 touches and rushing for 183 yards on 6.1 yards per carry. Dowdle was also the Panthers' leading receiver, posting 56 yards and a touchdown through the air.
A 36-yard touchdown reception by Dowdle early in the third quarter gave the Panthers a 20-17 lead, and it was Dowdle's work with his legs that helped put Carolina in position for a game-winning field goal in the closing minutes.
Bryce Young finds Rico Dowdle for a 36-yard TD!
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
DALvsCAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/2wqxlSKz7a
What did Rico Dowdle say about the Cowboys?
Dowdle made it clear before Sunday's game that a matchup with the Cowboys was especially meaningful for him.
"They got to buckle up," Dowdle said of the Cowboys after his explosive day against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. "I think they know for sure. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason."
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Schottenheimer took the high road, but he accepted Dowdle's challenge.
"It’ll be good to see Rico this weekend," Schottenheimer told reporters. "I know we’re going to have to buckle up, he said. So we’ll bring our seat belts, Rico. Buckle up."
After the Panthers' win, Dowdle told reporters, "They wasn't buckled up."
#Panthers RB Rico Dowdle on his former #Cowboys team after posting 239 yards:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 12, 2025
“They wasn’t buckled up.” pic.twitter.com/TurWOULUaU
The showdown was officially set once Hubbard was ruled out with an injury, and Dowdle showed out with a touchdown on Sunday as part of a productive day against his former team.
If he keeps up his strong play, Dowdle could cut into Hubbard's touches when healthy and position himself for a bigger payday in free agency after a quiet trip to the open market in 2025.