Micah Parsons Says Criticism Is ‘A Privilege,’ But Does He Really Think That?

Micah Parsons always has to have the last word. If someone in the media gives him any grief, you can expect a clap back from the Dallas Cowboys edge rusher on social media or on his podcast. So when he said on Friday that he actually welcomes and appreciates criticism, it was a bit of a head scratcher.

Speaking at a youth football camp, Parsons explained how the naysayers actually make him better.

"The criticism is a privilege because sometimes a great standard is not good enough for those who are greater," Parsons said, according to the Dallas Morning News. "When people want things, you have to answer the call. It is not a negative thing. It is the most positive thing people can say to me because it pushes me and challenges me to be better… It is a great privilege for someone to say, ‘Hey, you are great, but you can be greater.’"

Micah Parsons works with kids during his youth football camp at Lubbock Christian High School.

(Annie Rice / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via USA TODAY Sports)

Micah Parsons Shakes Off The Haters

So the haters don't bother him. But he certainly fooled me. 

Because Parsons has a habit of publicly responding to any and all criticism that's thrown his way. We've seen examples of this behavior in his ongoing feud with Skip Bayless, his brutal honesty about fellow players and his dissatisfaction with the media in general.

In fact, former NFL linebacker Bart Scott called him out for this very thing back in February. Scott said Parsons needs to be less sensitive to other people's words and more focused on his role as a leader for the Cowboys' defense.

"You’re a linebacker. That’s supposed to be a tough guy spot," Scott said. "He’s the most sensitive guy I’ve ever seen. He responds to everything. 

"Get off of social media. Quit tweeting. Quit talking about responding, and go about your business. That’s how you change the culture."

Say what you want about his "sensitivity" — but it's hard to deny that Parsons is a force to be reckoned with on the field.

In 17 games last season, the three-time Pro Bowler logged career highs in sacks (14) and QB hits (33). He also finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker T.J. Watt and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

Now, he's looking to top those numbers in 2024. And if enough people keep talking trash, maybe he will.