Micah Parsons responds to criticism for missing OTAs by quoting Aaron Donald

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The NFL offseason has already reached the mandatory minicamp stage.

Until then, the OTAs were voluntary and some of the Dallas Cowboys players chose not to take part. Now, the scenario is different.

Missing minicamp means having to pay a fine.

CeeDee Lamb, the franchise’s star receiver, didn’t attend the training sessions and his fine is already well underway. He could pay more than $100,000 if he doesn’t show up.

Micah Parsons, who skipped the organised team activities, rejoined the squad as soon as minicamp started.

Parsons needed some time to heal

The Dallas pass-rusher focused on individual training while the OTAs were going on in order to grow in body, mind and spirit.

Parsons had already admitted that the defeat to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs was still on his mind and that he was still feeling the pain of elimination.

His absence from training at the Cowboys’ facilities has been criticised by fans, who say that the defensive end seems to “forget” how to play American football when the team arrives in the postseason.

So far, the edge has made three appearances in the playoffs. Over four games, he’s recorded three passes defended, eight solo tackles and four hits on the QB.

Defender responds to criticism of his absence from OTAs

Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken spoke to the player on Tuesday and asked him about the negative comments he’s receiving about skipping spring workouts.

Parsons was light-hearted and the first sentence of his reply was to make a comparison with one of the best players in the history of the NFL in the defensive end position.

“There was a time when Aaron Donald didn’t even go to camp, and he won Defensive Player of the Year, and he led his team to the playoffs. Are we forgetting these times? You’re talking about the best defensive player wasn’t even in camp, and we’re in minicamp, voluntary at that.”

He added: I’m just looking at it as time for my body to heal. I’m an undersized rusher who gets banged up every year. So, I’m just letting my body heal. I’m just trying to grow, strengthen and really just get better for the year.”

The 2021 Rookie Of The Year winner is confident that in 2024 the Cowboys will go further than last season.

At just 25, his reputation is very good. Parsons guarantees that he hasn’t missed anything that the coaches have passed on to the other players.

“Defense is defense. I’m pretty much caught up on everything. Paul (Guenther) was meeting up with me, the run game coordinator… I feel like I was just getting better, getting stronger, getting faster.”