Parsons’ conversation with OGs shifted star’s leadership approach

OXNARD, Calif. — After the Cowboys’ last full-padded practice in Southern California on Wednesday, linebacker Micah Parsons met with reporters and the discussion turned into a confessional.

Parsons said he fell short in the leadership department last year and decided it’s not going to happen again.

“I think I got the crown and I need to build up my guys around me and make sure we’re all ready,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m only as good as the worst person.”

It was during the Super Bowl when Parsons got a wake-up call.

He was sitting around with the OGs of the NFL at Delilah lounge inside the Wynn Las Vegas hotel when former cornerback Richard Sherman got on him about the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Packers.

There was Andrew Whitworth, a recently retired offensive lineman, talking to Parsons about maturity.

Parsons took everything to heart.

During the offseason, Parsons also had discussions with Tom Brady, considered the GOAT among quarterbacks. He talked to Brady at least four or five times. Parsons also had words with Ray Lewis, the GOAT of linebackers, at the Pro Bowl.

Parsons needed the conversations. He was in denial.

“I think it was a harsh reality and a reality check for me within myself and my self-evaluations,” he said. “I got to do the best that I can, not only to make myself better but bring along other guys and I feel like I needed that, and I had the conversations early on and you want to strike when the pot’s hot.”

Parsons is trying to mentor second-year defensive tackle Mazi Smith. After some practices, the two conduct wind sprints together. Parsons has become Smith’s biggest advocate to have a much better Year 2.

And so far, Smith emerged as the potential starter at one of the two defensive tackle spots. You can’t credit Parsons for all of it. The coaches, scheme change and Smith himself are factors.

Parsons isn’t seeking credit for Smith’s improvement, he just wants to help.

He realizes the offseason discussions about a lack of leadership stuck to him. Safety Malik Hooker called Parsons out for doing a podcast during the season, something that will continue. Parsons said it’s not a distraction and he does it on his own time.

“I don’t think no one really cares what I’m doing on a Monday afternoon,” Parsons said. “I’m at home with my kids. Why would [fans] care if I’m on Xbox? We all get our free time.”

Parsons was told the truth by the OGs to become a leader and shed optics that he’s selfish.

He didn’t show much leadership in the offseason staying away from the voluntary portions of the workout program. He said chemistry is built by being together in training camp and during these sessions, you see it with him.

He playfully wrestles cornerback Trevon Diggs in practices.

Parsons is trying to become something different. He picked Brady and Lewis’ minds for how to become great. Parsons realized from the conversations he can’t do it alone.

“I kinda went to my mentors this offseason; How do I approach this? How do I get better at this?” he said. “This is a task I never had to take on in my life. I think my whole life, I was pretty much, ‘Micah is going to do what Micah is going to do.’ I just expected everyone else to do that. As you learn leadership, some people need a pat on the back and some people need a push up.”

Parsons wants to do both. He’s placed himself in this position because he’s tied to the Cowboys’ long-term future. At some point next year, he’ll sign one of the largest contracts in league history for a player at his position.

He can’t shy from the responsibilities that come with it. Leadership. The Cowboys have so many leaders who could be on the way out from Dak Prescott, Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence, who enter the final year of their contracts.

There’s an expectation Prescott returns. It would then leave two fewer OGs on the stage to lead a young Cowboys team. Parsons, however, is jumping into that leadership role.

“If we lose, I just don’t want it to be like I didn’t do everything I could to make everyone else around me [better],” he said. “I think last year I didn’t check that box and that’s something I want everyone on the same level.”

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