![]() Parsons with the Cowboys in 2021 | |||||||||||
No. 11 – Dallas Cowboys | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||
Born: | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. | May 26, 1999||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||||
Weight: | 245 lb (111 kg) | ||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||
High school: | Harrisburg | ||||||||||
College: | Penn State (2018–2020) | ||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12 | ||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Player stats at PFR |
Micah Aaron Parsons (born May 26, 1999) is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Parsons played college football at Penn State, where he was named a consensus All-American, Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and the Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP as a sophomore in 2019. He was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, and was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Parsons was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on May 26, 1999. He attended Central Dauphin High School for his freshman and sophomore years, before transferring to Harrisburg High School where he started at both defensive end and running back. [1]
As a senior, Parsons posted 1,239 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns (tied for ninth in the state), 99 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. [2] Parsons also played varsity basketball. [3]
He was a five-star recruit and was ranked #4 in his class by 247Sports.com and #7 by ESPN. [4] [5] [6] Parsons was recruited by Nebraska, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama and Penn State. On December 19, it was reported that Ohio State had committed NCAA violations because the university allowed him on the set of ESPN's College GameDay to take a picture with analyst Kirk Herbstreit. As Herbstreit is a former Ohio State University quarterback, this was a violation of NCAA rules, as recruits are not allowed to have contact with members of the media associated with former student-athletes. As a result, Ohio State agreed to no longer recruit Parsons. [7]
Penn State University offered Parsons a football scholarship after just four games of his freshman season. He initially committed in the spring of 2016, then decommitted, before recommitting again on December 20, 2017. He graduated Harrisburg High School seven months early to expedite the enrollment process. [8] [9] [10]
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Micah Parsons DE, LB | Harrisburg, PA | Harrisburg HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | 4.66 | Dec 20, 2017 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: ![]() ![]() | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: | ||||||
Sources:
|
After committing to Penn State, Parsons was informed by head coach James Franklin that he would start his Penn State career at middle linebacker rather than defensive end, which he played in high school. Parsons was in contention for the starting job even though he was a true freshman. [11] In his freshman year, Parsons only started one out of 13 games for the Nittany Lions, but managed to lead the team in tackles with 82, while also making 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles. He became the first Nittany Lion to ever lead the team in tackles as a freshman. He started at outside linebacker against Rutgers University, after junior linebacker Cam Brown was disciplined because of a rules violation incident, with Parsons making 7 tackles (2 for loss) and a strip-sack. He had 14 tackles (one for loss) and a strip-sack against the University of Kentucky in the 2019 Citrus Bowl. He finished second in the Big Ten Freshman of the Year voting behind wide receiver Rondale Moore.
Prior to the start of his sophomore season, Parsons was named to the Butkus Award preseason watch list. He started 12 out of 13 games at middle linebacker, totaling 109 tackles (14 for loss), five sacks, 26 quarterback hurries, five deflected passes, and four forced fumbles. Parsons went on to be named the Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year (given to the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year) and a consensus All-American. [12] Parsons was named the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic defensive MVP after recording 14 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. [13]
He opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and declined his remaining years of college eligibility in favor of making himself available to the NFL in the 2021 draft. [14] Despite leaving Penn State early to enter the NFL, Parsons completed his degree in criminology and graduated from Penn State in 2021. [15]
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
2018 | Penn State | 13 | 1 | 82 | 47 | 35 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2019 | Penn State | 13 | 12 | 109 | 52 | 57 | 5.0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
2020 | Penn State | Opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |||||||||||||
Career | 26 | 13 | 191 | 99 | 92 | 6.5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 ft 3+1⁄8 in (1.91 m) | 246 lb (112 kg) | 31+1⁄2 in (0.80 m) | 11 in (0.28 m) | 4.36 s | 1.59 s | 2.58 s | 4.40 s | 6.96 s | 34.0 in (0.86 m) | 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m) | 19 reps | |
All values from Pro Day [16] [17] [18] |
Parsons was selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL draft. [19] He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $17 million, on June 9, 2021. [20] In response to DeMarcus Lawrence breaking his foot in practice, before week 2, Dallas converted Parsons back to his high school position of defensive end where he saw immediate success, particularly as a pass rusher. [21] In Week 8, Parsons had 11 tackles, including four for loss in a 20–16 win over the Minnesota Vikings, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week. [22] From Week 9 to Week 14, Parsons recorded at least one sack in six straight games. His 12 sacks in his first 13 career games are the fourth-most by a rookie in NFL history behind only Julius Peppers (13), Reggie White (13) and Leslie O'Neal (12.5). [23] Parsons finished with 84 total tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles. [24] He was voted into the Pro Bowl, named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, and was the unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year. [25] [26] [27] He was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022. [28]
In Week 5 of the 2022 season, Parsons had two sacks, five tackles, and a tackle for loss in a 22–10 win over the defending champions Los Angeles Rams, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week. [29] In Week 8, against the Chicago Bears, he had a 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the 49–29 victory. [30] In the 2022 season, Parsons had 13.5 sacks, 65 total tackles (42 solo), three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. He had six games on the season with two sacks. [31] Parsons was named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press at the end of the year. [32]
In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Parsons recorded four tackles, three for a loss, two sacks, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and recovery in a 30–10 win over the New York Jets, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week. [33]
On April 24, 2024, the Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on Parsons' contract. [34]
Legend | |
---|---|
Bold | Career high |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
2021 | DAL | 16 | 16 | 84 | 64 | 20 | 13.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2022 | DAL | 17 | 17 | 65 | 42 | 23 | 13.5 | 3 | 3 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2023 | DAL | 17 | 17 | 64 | 36 | 28 | 14.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Career | 50 | 50 | 213 | 142 | 71 | 40.5 | 7 | 4 | 36 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
2021 | DAL | 1 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2022 | DAL | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
2023 | DAL | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career | 4 | 4 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Parsons is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is a fan of Penn State wrestling, the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia 76ers. [36] [37] [38]
In May 2018, Parsons became the father of a son, Malcolm. [39] Parsons cited the risk that COVID-19 presented to the health and well-being of his son Malcolm as a major factor in his decision to opt out participation in the 2020 college football season. [40] Parsons welcomed a daughter on January 14, 2023. [41]
Parsons is a self-taught chess player, who uses the game to cultivate his game on the football field. [42] [43] [44] He played in Chess.com's BlitzChamp tournament, a rapid tournament for NFL players.
On December 8, 2022, the United States announced a prisoner swap with Russia, which led to the release of WNBA basketball player, Brittney Griner from a Russian prison. [45] In response, Parsons expressed disappointment that the US did not secure the release of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine held in Russia, as part of the prisoner swap. On Twitter, Parsons wrote "Wait nah!! We left a marine?? Hell Nah."
On February 16, 2024, Parsons played in the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game. Parsons shot 17 of 31 and finished with 37 points, 16 rebounds and four steals in the 100–91 victory. This performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award for the game. [46]
On May 14, 2024, Parsons signed a multi-year extension deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, making him president of their American football digital sports media division, B/R Gridiron. [47]
Charles Lewis Haley is an American former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996).
DeMarcus Omar Ware is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Troy Trojans and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. After spending nine seasons with the Cowboys, Ware departed in 2013 as the franchise's all-time leader in quarterback sacks with 117. Ware then played three seasons for the Denver Broncos, with whom he won Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers. After the 2016 season with the Broncos, he announced his retirement from the NFL. In 2017, he signed a one-day contract with Dallas to retire as a Cowboy. In 2018, the Broncos hired Ware as a pass-rush consultant. In 2023, Ware was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Broderick Lee Thomas is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, earning unanimous All-American honors in 1988.
Tamba Boimah Hali is a Liberian former American football player who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, earning unanimous All-American honors. Hali was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft.
Sean Patrick Lee is an American former professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft. He made two Pro Bowls and the 2016 All-Pro Team.
Patrick Ryan Kerrigan is an American football coach and former player who currently serves as the assistant linebackers and pass rush specialist coach for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers, earning unanimous All-American honors as a senior before being selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.
Jaylon Smith is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Notre Dame and was drafted 34th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Zachary Edward Martin is an American football guard for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. Named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Martin has made nine Pro Bowl and nine All-Pro teams.
Jesse Andrew Penn II is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1985 NFL draft.
Randy Gregory is an American football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Anthony Hitchens is a former American football linebacker. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa.
Brent Urban is a Canadian professional American football defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football at Virginia.
Eric-Nathan Marvin Kendricks is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins. As a senior in 2014, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top collegiate linebacker. Kendricks was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and later played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Shaquil Akeem Barrett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks before transferring to the Colorado State Rams. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL draft. After five seasons with the Broncos, including winning Super Bowl 50, Barrett signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His level of play increased, making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 2019 after leading the league in sacks, and in 2021 won Super Bowl LV.
De'Vondre Campbell is an American football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Minnesota, and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Campbell has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.
Leighton Vander Esch is an American former professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, for whom he spent his entire six-year career.
Darius Shaquille Leonard is a former American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at South Carolina State and was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. In his rookie season, Leonard led the league in tackles and was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year; he was also voted into the NFL Top 100 the following offseason. Leonard has been informally nicknamed "Maniac" due to his energetic and productive on-field play.
Federico Anthony Warner is an American football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Jabril Cox is an American football linebacker. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State, where he won three FCS championships and was named the MVFC defensive player of the year before playing the 2020 season with LSU. Cox has also been a member of the Washington Commanders.
Odafe Jayson Oweh, is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.