Recently, I published a post that ended with the mention of Dak Prescott's resolve.
Well, if “resolve” is the correct description of Dak's outlook, Micah Parsons' recent statements should be described as “absolute conviction.”
Parsons appeared as a guest on The Pivot Podcast earlier this week. It was his third appearance on the show led by former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Ryan Clark.
During the latter third of the conversation, Ryan asked Micah how bad he wanted a championship.
“I want it early, bro. I want it bad,” Parsons replied.
Then, with a bit of laughter he added, “I'm tired of watching Super Bowls in suites. I'll tell you that right now.”
The Pivot's hosts joked about Micah's impatience considering that he's only spent two full seasons in the NFL.
However, considering all of the recognition and accolades he has received in that short time, that impatience (or eagerness as I prefer to call it) seems to serve as the fuel that drives Micah Parsons to be one of the most significant and contributory members of the Dallas Cowboys.
TRAINING THE BODY
During the offseason, the 2x Pro Bowl-er has pursued every course of action within his power to improve himself as an athlete. He was focused on preparing himself for what he expects to be a Super Bowl run.
Parsons changed his diet and took up a training regimen designed to put weight on him and increase the percentage of muscle and lean mass on his body.
He also took up activities such as pickleball and boxing to increase the contents of his proverbial toolbox.
Regarding boxing, Parsons told Fred Taylor that he wanted to learn how to fight.
“I wanted to be so good at close combat,” Micah explained, “I was so tired of not keeping my hands up, letting people hit me in my face.”
He also said that Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn was impressed and commented that his hands looked “10 times better than last year.”
TRAINING THE MIND
Parsons also discussed visualization. He said that when he watches the Super Bowl and post-game award ceremonies, he thinks about when the crowd will be cheering for him.
He's even visualized the parade that will take place once the Cowboys when the NFL championship.
On top of all of this, Micah even described how he changed the way he managed his relationship with his significant other and his family at home.
He did this to ensure that travelling and training could remain priorities without him completely neglecting the people he loves.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ABILITY IS ACCOUNTABILITY
According to what Micah Parsons said to the hosts of The Pivot, all of the work he's put in over the past several months has been to make sure he does his part to get the Dallas Cowboys to the Super Bowl.
After the Cowboys' divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year, anyone would have been hard pressed to find criticism of the Cowboys' defense.
Still, rather than pointing fingers and placing blame, Micah decided to focus on what he could do better.
He told Ryan Clark, “I'm tryna be on that Ray Lewis defense. I'm tryna hold teams under 10 points.”
If anyone could get away with putting their training on auto pilot or even pointing fingers at other teammates, it would be Micah Parsons.
During the 2022 season, Parsons led the Cowboys in sacks (13.5) and quarterback pressures (65). He's made the Pro Bowl and been named a 1st Team All-Pro in each of his two seasons so far.
But according to the team's most valuable defensive weapon, none of that means anything without a ring to show for it.
