Micah Parsons has always expressed his opinions, but now he's facing backlash from a Dallas Cowboys star due to a Cleveland Browns tight end's response. David Njoku took offense to Parsons’ recent comments about Cleveland, and shared his thoughts in return.
According to The Matt Fontana Show’s Ryan Tyler, Parsons made a casual jab at the Browns during a promotional event for Madden 24 in early February. While Njoku responded at that time, his recent comments on May 8 show that Parsons’ words are still on his mind.
“I feel like Cleveland raised me from a boy to a man,” Njoku said, according to WEWS reporter Camryn Justice. “Becoming a man in this city, it means more than what most may think. So with Parsons and the other idiot – just talking down on Cleveland is just something I won’t accept, no matter what. No matter what happens, I will never accept it. So just, with that being said, respect the city, bro. It’s very simple.”
While he doesn’t directly insult Parsons, grouping him with “the other idiot” makes his sentiments clear. With Dallas set to play the Browns in Cleveland in 2024, the matchup now carries more tension.
Parsons Starting Year 4
Although Parsons enjoys speaking his mind, it's difficult to argue that he doesn't perform on the field. The former Penn State standout has been an impressive presence since joining in Dallas, with his productivity increasing year after year.
Over three seasons, the 24-year-old has recorded an impressive 40.5 sacks in 50 regular season games according to Pro Football Reference. He's also caused 7 fumbles and has 51 total tackles for loss.
However, Parsons’ success reflects the Cowboys’ main challenge: their struggles in the playoffs. Parsons has only secured one sack in four playoff appearances, and Dallas holds a 1-3 record in postseason games since the linebacker's arrival.
Nevertheless, Parsons' contributions to the Cowboys are significant. The two-time All-Pro consistently exerts pressure on opposing QBs and also contributes as a linebacker in various ways.
Entering his fourth season, a contract extension looms large for Parsons. When he does receive that contract, he's expected to become the highest-paid defender in the NFL. It's just a matter of when it will happen.
New Cowboys LB Talks about Move
While Dallas has been relatively quiet in free agency this offseason, they did add linebacker Eric Kendricks. The former All-Pro is now 32 years old, but joined Dallas from the San Francisco 49ers with the goal of playing as much as possible.
According to the Athletic’s Jon Machota, Kendricks is eager to take on a leadership role as a middle linebacker.
“I think I would’ve taken more of a reserve role [in San Francisco],” Kendricks said. “Whereas I feel I have a lot left to give and I wanted to be here and be middle linebacker. I wanted to share my experience with the team, share my leadership abilities and command that huddle.”
The addition of Kendricks may allow players like Parsons to focus more on pressuring the passer. However, the Cowboys will need to see Kendricks in that MLB role before changing the dynamic.
