Dallas Cowboys former running back Emmitt Smith with owner Jerry Jones after being presented his Hall of Fame ring Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Cowboys legend sounds off on Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones contract debacle

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 10:10 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is the talk of the town for multiple reasons, not all good, but tonight was a bit of a celebration. Netflix was holding a special "blue carpet" premiere for the Netflix docuseries America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, which will focus on the story of Jerry Jones buying the NFL franchise and leading it to a dynasty in the 1990s.

The not-so-good reason Jerry has been a hot topic of discussion is for his gross mishandling of the Micah Parsons contract situation.

So, naturally, when media members were able to ask questions on the blue carpet, where some Dallas Cowboys legends were available, questions about the contract negotiations came up.

WATCH: Emmitt Smith gives hot take on Jerry Jones' role in Cowboys' Super Bowl drought

One player who can relate to the ongoing situation is Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, who held out from training camp in 1993 and the first two games of the regular season before becoming the highest-paid running back at the time.

Smith went on to lead the NFL in rushing for the third straight year, won NFL MVP, and was named Super Bowl MVP to cap off the year. While it ultimately worked out for everyone, Smith admits that the contract saga can be a distraction.

We talked with Emmitt Smith on the blue carpet tonight before the Netflix screener. We talked about Micah Parsons’ contract negotiation, of course.

I asked him if contract negotiations — like the one Jerry Jones has cited with him — can be distracting for a team.

He said yes. pic.twitter.com/lwW39fjDaE
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 12, 2025

It remains unclear whether Parsons will suit up for the Week One opener against the division rival and reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles remains to be seen, but if he does miss games before a deal is reached, Jerry and the 'Boys will be hoping for a similar end-of-season result to that of Smith's memorable holdout.

As for whether Parsons should be paid, Smith has no doubt that the team needs to come to an agreement with the heart and soul of their defense.

Emmitt Smith, without a doubt, said the Cowboys should pay Micah Parsons.

He talks about why here. pic.twitter.com/ZNvoniOGkh
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 12, 2025

Because Jerry Jones often cites Smith's holdout when discussing Parsons, Smith wanted to make it very clear that the two situations are not similar.

Emmitt Smith clarifies the difference between his contract impasse in 1993 that caused him to miss the season’s first 2 games and what’s happening with Micah Parsons now. pic.twitter.com/XtncQKnxSZ
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) August 12, 2025

Hopefully things don't get to that point and the two sides can reach an agreement sooner rather than later, but if they do, we can't say this is uncharted territory -- and Jerry will be the first to remind you.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Cowboys and Parsons can agree to a deal before the August 19 premiere of the Jerry Show on Netflix?