Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players demanding attention vs. Texans in preseason

By Randy Gurzi | Aug 20, 2021

CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 5: Dorance Armstrong #92 of the Dallas Cowboys and teammates warm up prior to the 2021 NFL preseason Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on August 5, 2021 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 13: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys take the field before the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

There was a lot to love about the first episode of ‘Hard Knocks’, but what really stood out to me was the passion Micah Parsons played with. It was his first game in over a year after he opted out of the 2020 season with Penn State, and you could see the excitement he had to not only be on the field again but to be playing for his favorite team.

He was flying all over the field and even had a fumble recovery, but the best part was when he got the call from defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. After finding the phone, he got word from Quinn that he was done for the day. It appeared that Parsons only heard this, and not the praise from the coach (although he did seem to listen to the tip he had to lead off the conversation which was good). The reason he seemed to look past the praise though, was due to being disappointed in being pulled.

Yes, it made perfect sense for the coach to sit the rookie. They saw what they needed to see and they wanted him healthy. So sit him and let’s move on.

Only Parsons wasn’t ready for that. He was pleading with the coach for one more series and when that was denied, he walked away looking like Eeyore. The kid simply loves playing and wanted more NFL action. He even went to Leighton Vander Esch and discussed how long he had to sit around not playing.

In all, Parsons has seven total tackles and a fumble recovery in two games but more than anything, it’s his enthusiasm and energy that has people tuning in to see him play.

Home/Dallas Cowboys