Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons has long been the epitome of durability and grit in the NFL. The only time he was sidelined was during his rookie year in 2021 when COVID forced him to sit out the final game of the regular season. However, fate has tested Parsons in a new way this week.
Facing the Unthinkable
Parsons has sustained a high ankle sprain, and while the Cowboys haven’t officially ruled him out for Sunday’s clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the odds seem stacked against him. Speaking to the team’s website, Parsons confessed that he might not take the field this week, a stark departure from his usual ironman persona.
Quote from Parsons
“Never,” he admitted, with resolute determination that would make even the most hardened fans tear up. “Never in my whole life. I’ve never missed a game. I’ve played hurt and through pain, so to me, playing through hurt isn’t really the problem.”
The perennial All-Pro is now considered week to week. His current state? Parsons was spotted wearing a protective boot and riding a scooter on Monday, a sight that must have felt like a punch to the gut for Cowboys faithful.
The Pain of Letting the Team Down
“It’s just frustrating, for real,” Parsons shared. “You put a lot of energy into getting ready and being there for the team, so being out, this hurts me because I’m letting people down. I’m just letting people down. I figured myself invincible for a while.” This moment of vulnerability was both raw and humbling, showcasing the human side of a gladiator on the gridiron.
A Humbling Experience
“It’s humbling. It’s part of the test that I was talking about. It’s faith. Got to come back strong.” Parsons is itching to make a quick return, but he’s also wary of letting this injury become a nagging issue. Reflecting on Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby’s ordeal, who tried to push through a high ankle sprain and ended up sitting out, Parsons is trying to balance his competitive spirit with practicality.
Upcoming Games
The Cowboys are set to play the Steelers and the Lions before their off week. Parsons’ internal struggle is palpable as he discusses his readiness: “I was trying to shake back,” he explained. “I got into the office and [head athletic trainer] Jim [Maurer] was like, ‘Yeah, you’re probably not going to be able to go [against the Steelers]. . . . Probably makes sense to some [to sit out until after the off week], but when you are a real competitor, like I said, you only get 17 chances at this, and missing one of these opportunities to perform at the highest level bothers me. I feel like I want to play on Sunday.
“I want to play. If I can play, I will play. To me, as long as I can run and move how I want to move, I want to play.”
That desire, that unquenchable fire, is what drives Parsons. Cowboys fans can only hope to see their defensive stalwart back on the field sooner rather than later, charging through offenses like a bull seeing red. Until then, the team and its followers will hold their breath, rallying behind Parsons as he navigates this uncharted territory.
