Who is Emari Demercado? Getting to know the Cowboys new running back

The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their running back corps by claiming Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. The 27-year-old running back brings three years of NFL experience to the Cowboys, having played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2023 to 2025. During his time with the Cardinals, Demercado was under the tutelage of offensive line coach Klayton Adams, who now serves as the Cowboys' current offensive coordinator.

Born in California, Demercado played his college football at TCU after starting at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent back in 2023, and when the Cardinals declined to tender him a contract for the upcoming season, he signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs.

Over his NFL career, Demercado has amassed 126 rushing yards on 126 attempts, averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. He has also contributed 50 receptions for 324 yards, showcasing his ability to provide receiving options for the Cowboys' offense. Additionally, Demercado has special teams experience, having played in 184 transitional snaps over three seasons, averaging 61.3 plays per season.

One of Demercado's standout traits is his pass protection skills, which may prove to be particularly valuable for the Cowboys. During his brief tenure with the Chiefs, Demercado emphasized the importance of protecting the quarterback, a skill that could be crucial for the Cowboys' offensive success.

In October 2025, a highlight from Demercado's career came during a Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans, where he was initially ruled to have broken free for a 72-yard touchdown run. However, replay review showed that he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, resulting in a touchback. This controversial play sparked a fourth-quarter comeback by the Titans, who went on to win 22-21.

Despite the controversy, the NFL declined to take action, allowing the Cardinals to impose discipline on head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was fined $100,000 for his contact with Demercado. Gannon has since apologized to Demercado and the team, acknowledging his lapse in judgment during the intense moment.

With the Cowboys looking to add depth and competition to their roster, Demercado represents an intriguing addition to the team, especially with the upcoming season ahead. As the Cowboys continue their roster reshaping efforts, Demercado's production and pass-blocking skills could make him a valuable asset to the team's backfield.