Micah Parsons makes stance clear on podcasting during NFL season after facing backlash
Micah Parsons is one of the most formidable players in the NFL today. His defensive talent, particularly when sacking opposing quarterbacks, has to be seen to be believed. And that has earned him multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections in his brief career.
Off the field, he has a strong media presence, hosting a podcast called The Edge and even being the president of Bleacher Report's digital football media division.
In June, his Dallas Cowboys teammate Malik Hooker claimed that such exploits had become a distraction to the team.
On Wednesday, Parsons responded (via The Athletic's Jon Machota):
“I don’t think no one really cares about what I’m doing on a Monday afternoon when I’m at home with my kids. So why would they care if I’m on Xbox? I think we all get our own free time. When y’all away from here are y’all thinking about me at home? I would hope not.”
Micah Parsons discusses Cowboys' very intense Wednesday practice
This coming Saturday marks the end of the Cowboys' preseason as they visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
Ahead of that game, Wednesday's practice was filled with shouting, trash-talk, shoving and fighting. For instance, after a reception, tight end Jake Ferguson stiff-armed safety Donovan Wilson, who yelled and swung at him, necessitating intervention from other players and coaches.
Later, during a scrimmage, defensive players celebrated after quarterback Dak Prescott misfired a pass intended for sophomore wideout Jalen Brooks, irritating their offensive counterparts, who eventually had their turn after Trey Lance threw consecutive touchdowns.
A few moments later, defensive tackle Al-Quadin Muhammad shoved some offensive linemen after the whistle. They responded by tackling him and burying him under their combined weight, again necessitating intervention.
But for Micah Parsons, there is a reason why such incidents happen. He said:
“It’s the last really competitive day. That’s probably my last time competing with a couple of those guys. That’s a big part of it.
“Next week we’ll be a completely different team, so this is a lot of guys’ last showing. ... I think that’s why it’s so important for me to really hype these guys up, because a lot of guys don’t understand the opportunity and the gratitude of being out here and knowing this is not a guarantee. We need those types of days.”
The Cowboys vs. Chargers game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and can be viewed on KTVT, CBS's Dallas affiliate.