Give me a level playing field with everyone else.

PRESCOTT, ZEKE PARSONS BACK COACH MIKE MCCARTHY

Despite being the primary decision maker in who coaches America’s Team, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is also not a pawn in the team’s future. As the team’s best defensive player, a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons, Parsons has never finished outside the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Despite previously expressing his concerns about the players during a difficult season, he has now joined quarterback Dak Prescott in supporting McCarthy.

Prescott recently stated that McCarthy deserves another contract, and owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that it wouldn’t be “crazy at all” to extend the coach for a sixth year. The support comes as the Cowboys are on a two-game winning streak, although they still have a 3% chance of reaching the playoffs. Despite their struggles, there is plenty of blame to go around, including McCarthy, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and Jones for not making significant moves during free agency.

However, Parsons argued that injuries have been a significant factor in the team’s performance, with himself, Prescott, and others dealing with injuries throughout the season. The injuries have become a major storyline, and it’s impossible to ignore them as the team considers keeping McCarthy and other key figures for the 2025 season.

Parsons, who plays under his $21.3 million fifth-year rookie option and is in line for a massive pay day after Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb signed extensions, expressed his commitment to the team and his desire to be a Cowboy until he retires. He believes that locking him down could be crucial for the team’s long-term future.