Micah Parsons, the standout edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, recently made headlines after his comments following the Cowboys’ Week 10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In his remarks, Parsons seemed to downplay the situation of head coach Mike McCarthy, stating that he didn’t feel bad for McCarthy, as the coach could continue his career elsewhere if needed.
Parsons was trying to support teammates like Zack Martin, but his words were misinterpreted, leading to a clarification and apology from the star rusher. He emphasized that when he referred to “here,” he was only thinking about the Dallas Cowboys and not McCarthy’s career with the Green Bay Packers, where Parsons had no personal context.
In an effort to clarify his comments, Parsons apologized for how he phrased his thoughts, acknowledging that his anger following the loss influenced his words. He admitted that he didn’t fully think through his statements at the time, as he was eager to leave the locker room. Parsons took responsibility for the miscommunication, expressing regret that his words were not interpreted as intended. He made it clear that he respected McCarthy’s successful career and leadership, as he is one of the winningest coaches in NFL history.
The apology extended to a discussion between Parsons and McCarthy the day after the incident. Parsons emphasized the importance of their relationship, explaining that he has great respect and love for his head coach. He also stated that he would always prioritize his teammates, the people he plays alongside, and those he goes to battle with every week. The two coaches worked through the misunderstanding, and Parsons reaffirmed that it was all resolved and that their relationship remained strong and positive.
The Cowboys are currently experiencing a five-game losing streak, their longest such stretch in a season since 2015. This slump has been marked by an offense that has struggled, scoring only 14 points per game during the skid, and a defense that has been allowing 34.4 points per game, the worst in the NFL since Week 6. The Cowboys will need to address their issues to avoid further decline, and the next game will be against the Washington Commanders, led by former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Parsons also reflected on his relationship with Quinn, with whom he had a successful partnership as a versatile player who could excel in various defensive roles. Parsons noted that he regularly communicates with Quinn, who is now with the Commanders. Despite their new positions, Parsons still holds a strong bond with his former coach, who he described as a “players’ coach.” The upcoming game against Washington will be a significant one, as Quinn’s Commanders are in playoff contention, and Parsons anticipates an intense battle, especially with Quinn’s motivational style.