Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons delivers inspiring message amid endless criticism: 'It's a great privilege'

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons has firmly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL today. With the honor comes seemingly endless criticism that the 25-year-old has had to endure for almost his entire career.

For his part, though, Parsons took it all in stride. In fact, the two-time All-Pro LB recently revealed that all the criticism only helped him reach new heights.

Dallas Cowboys News: Inspirational message from Micah Parsons

USATSI 22199619 168400517 low resolutions — December 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, United States; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) stands on the field in the second half against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Everything Parsons does – on and off the field – is amplified. That’s the price you pay for being an elite player. This also involves listening to all the criticism addressed to it.

However, at this point in his career, Parsons has learned to deal with it all. In fact, he is now able to use all the negativity as fuel to push him even further:

“Criticism is a privilege because sometimes a high standard is not good enough for those who are higher,” Parsons said, via Sophia Vesely of the Dallas Morning News. “When people want things, you have to answer the call. It’s not a negative thing. It’s the most positive thing people can say to me because it pushes me and challenges me to be better.

“It’s a great privilege for someone to say, ‘Hey, you’re great, but you can be bigger.'”

November 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, United States; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

These are wise words coming from a young man who has clearly been tested in combat, both physically and mentally.

This should also be a message to Parsons’ opponents. All the criticism only makes him an even better player and a better man than he already is.

April 12, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, United States; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons watches the Denver Nuggets warm up before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

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