FRISCO, Texas — Micah Parsons knew the risk right now.
The Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker understood the hilarious NFL climate of how the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase embraced the word’s “fanatical” etymology as enthusiastically as anyone else.
“I’m not trying not to make enemies,” Parsons told Buffalo Bills passrusher Von Miller on Miller’s Voncast show this week. “I just love the game so much I can’t hold it back when things are off like I have to say something.”
That’s what Parsons said.
“If we look at the Eagles,” he wondered, “is it Hurts or the team?”
Translation: Does quarterback Jalen Hurt’s MVP honors deserve when his team, a paragon of talent and stability, depends less on individual performance to thrive than a counterpart like Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes?
Bleacher Report aired a clip of the conversation on Tuesday, and the full interview was downloaded on Wednesday.
On Thursday after practice, Parsons, still sweating down his face, responded to feedback from the first question of his weekly media availability.
What does Philadelphia think of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native now?
“I’m sure they hate me,” Parsons said. But “I always will, I mean: You have to stand by everything you say, just like a man.”
Parsons said he didn’t mean he was into some fans and social media pundits’ interpretation of his conversation. Only those who thought he was criticizing Hurt’s performance misunderstood the intent of the conversation.
After his suggestions for Jalen Hurts’ MVP nomination caused a stir among Eagles fans this week, Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons followed up on Thursday. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Hurts has threw for 3,157 yards and 22 touchdowns this season and has rushed for another 686 yards and 10 points. No quarterback has played cleaner football than his 0.8% interception rate, his 32 total touchdowns trailing only Mahomes. (Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills were also responsible for 32 total touchdowns.)
“No pun intended or disrespect to Hurts,” Parsons said. “I think he’s doing great this year. But you know me: I’m a defensive type, and I said the Eagles’ defense is the team to watch. They were just damned [defenders] make plays all year round. From a defensive standpoint, I know how offensive guys get all the glory.
The story goes on
“So I just wanted to stand in for the defensive guys.”
Parsons cited cornerbacks Darius Slay and CJ Gardner-Johnson and Eagles offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and Jason Kelce as Philadelphia players who impressed him on the 12-1 team.
“Why is quarterback the most valuable position when there are 22 jobs?” Parsons asked. “Is that the most difficult position now? You can argue that it’s probably the hardest position, that and the cornerback.
Since 2013, only quarterbacks have won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, with Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers leading the pack with four of those awards. The last defenseman to win the award was Giants outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986. In 36 seasons since then, the league MVP has recognized a quarterback 29 times (including split awards), and the other eight winners have been running backs.
Parsons is the reigning NFL Defense Rookie of the Year after a campaign that included 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, 20 tackles for loss and 84 tackles for loss. His versatility and athleticism have further anchored the Cowboys’ defense this year, amassing 12 sacks in 13 games, in addition to three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Parsons has lined up primarily as a defensive end, though the Cowboys “officially” reported him as a linebacker. He is currently the clear favorite for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, according to BetMGM.
Does that justify an MVP consideration? Parsons has never explicitly advocated for his own credit, but rather for due respect for his position and side of the ball.
“People forget that football is complementary,” Parsons said. “How well we do on defense helps Dak [Prescott]. If we have the team by the 20th[-yard line] and then they sting [our returner] gets the ball back to the 50, now Dak is already on the plus side. It’s complementary football. Not everything is just QB or whatever.
“It’s defence, special teams, it’s guys that don’t get praise.”
Parsons acknowledged that his perceived slight triggered a “s***storm” at Hurts, a risk that’s even more notable given that the Cowboys host their NFC East rivalries, the Eagles, on Christmas Eve. At 10-3, Dallas would need help to catch Philadelphia in the divisional race. But the playoff caliber matchup will be meaningful for both teams.
Parsons said he’s not worried about speaking his mind because he believes “people should have opinions” and his — as long as they’re respectful — are a sign of authenticity.
“Not once have I disrespected Hurts or any other player in any way,” Parsons said. “I’m just talking about football. If soccer is a hurtful conversation, then what are we playing for? I think the job hurts more than the conversation, you know.
“[Others] talk shit all day. Why can’t we have a little chat? I don’t understand what’s so hurtful about us talking about each other.”