Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made a surprising comment about Micah Parsons on Monday, and it appears the star pass-rusher has issued a subtle response.
The Cowboys will hold their first practice of training camp on Tuesday. Parsons is reportedly planning to attend as he seeks a long-term contract extension, though it is unclear if he will actually suit up.
Jones met with the media on Monday and was asked about the criticism he has faced for waiting too long to extend star players. For whatever reason, he responded by calling Parsons’ durability into question. Jones incorrectly asserted that Parsons was injured for six games last season, though Parsons only missed four. The 82-year-old also mentioned how Dak Prescott, who signed a massive new deal prior to last season, missed significant time with an injury.
You can see Jones’ full response here.
Many were confused as to why Jones would seemingly take a swipe at Parsons when negotiations between the two sides seem to be in a decent place. Former NFL star J.J. Watt was among those who called out Jones via social media.
“Anytime you can publicly take a dig at your star quarterback and your star pass rusher simultaneously, right before the season begins, you just gotta take it… Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you,” Watt wrote on X.
Watt was obviously being sarcastic. Parsons reposted the comments on his own timeline.
*NOW* we’re talking. this is what it’s all about. pic.twitter.com/sD0zbLSO9f
— Dave Helman (@davehelman_) July 21, 2025
To this point, Parsons has not given any indication that he plans to hold out. But given the comments Jones made on Monday and the way Jones disrespected Parsons’ agent earlier this offseason, there is certainly the potential for the situation to become more tense.
Parsons has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL since Dallas drafted him in 2021. The 25-year-old has collected 52.5 sacks through his first 63 NFL games, including 12 in 13 games last season.
