Micah Parsons apologizes to Cowboys coach McCarthy for misunderstood comments. Despite a difficult season, he remains optimistic and praises the team.
Micah Parsons, the talented Dallas Cowboys pass rusher, has apologized to the local press for his comments after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. These statements seemed to question Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy’s work ethic. Parsons explained that he should have phrased his words more clearly.
“When I say ‘here,’ I think of the Dallas Cowboys,” Parsons said. “I was in middle school and elementary school when Mike McCarthy was with the Packers and I have no connection to it. So when I talk about the Dallas Cowboys and what’s been accomplished here, I think of those guys, and I was just here. Of course, no loss of respect [McCarthys] career and what he has achieved as one of the most successful coaches.”
Parsons’ respect for veterans
In an attempt to support veterans like Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin, Parsons had said: “You want to win games and do great things with legends like that who have put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. These are the guys I feel so much compassion and pain for.”
Parsons and McCarthy had a clarifying conversation the next day. “The most important thing is how much love I have for Coach McCarthy,” Parsons said. “You never want to put your coach in a bad light. But like with everything, he understands that I’m always a player-first guy. I always think about the guys around me first.”
Reunion with Dan Quinn
On Sunday, Parsons will face former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn when Dallas takes on the Washington Commanders. Parsons thrived in Quinn’s defense for three seasons, finishing in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting each year. “He texts me every few weeks,” Parsons said. “Maybe he’s trying to get into my head a little bit. But he also helped me get tickets to the game for my family.”
Parsons takes responsibility
On his podcast “The Edge,” Parsons called the Cowboys a “damn good team” despite a 3-7 record and a five-game losing streak following a 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans. “I never said we deserve to win. I said we can win. Now what matters is that I hold myself accountable,” Parsons said. “The key is we have to get these guys to beat us.”
Parsons sees the Cowboys on the right track and emphasizes the team’s improvement. “Overall, we’re playing better. We’re not playing great yet, but we’re playing better. It’s a night and day difference in how this defensive line plays, how the linebackers play. The young players are gaining experience.” Parsons is confident the Cowboys will field a strong defense by the end of the season.
