Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, star rookie LB Micah Parsons downplay Lawrence Taylor comparisons

Dallas Cowboys rookie Micah Parsons has taken the NFL by storm after entering the league as the 12th overall pick in the 2021 draft. In fact, that the pass-rusher is eliciting comparisons to one of the league’s all-time greatest defensive players.

While humbled by the notion that his standout rookie campaign is garnering so much hype, the budding 22-year-old superstar prefers if everyone would pump the brakes a bit. After all, getting compared to none other than the legendary Lawrence Taylor obviously is a bit daunting for an NFL newcomer just trying to make his way in the league.

Parsons, named NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, has exploded out of the gate in his first NFL season, amassing 12 sacks and 75 tackles in 13 games. He has sacks in six consecutive games heading into the Cowboys’ showdown Sunday with the New York Giants.

The remarkable start to his career has made him a favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. What’s more, Parsons is also garnering some consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The Taylor comparisons stem exactly from the possibility that Parsons could conceivably secure both awards. The New York Giants Hall of Fame linebacker is the last player to have done so in 1981.

Parsons understandably wants no part of any discussion in which he is likened to LT.

“I would definitely say it’s way too early,” Parsons said Wednesday of the comparisons to Taylor, per Cowboys reporter Calvin Watkins. “It’s an honor.”

Surprisingly in and of itself given his reputation as the Cowboys’ biggest cheerleader, team owner Jerry Jones similarly pushed back earlier in the week on any comparisons between Parsons and Taylor.

“Well, I won’t make a comparison for reasons you talk about, every time, I’ve always been criticized for that,” Jones said during his weekly appearance Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan, via northjersey.com. “And [Parsons] shouldn’t have that. He has a uniqueness, he’s unbelievably established this where people are making comments about him, that ought to stand on its own. That’s the other unique thing: he really doesn’t have to have a comparison at this point. He’s having that kind of production on the field.”

Interestingly enough, Parsons was also well aware of the fact that Taylor is the last player to secure both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Awards. When asked by Albert Breer of SI if he knew who had such a phenomenal rookie season that he walked away with both honors, Parsons replied, “Yes. Lawrence Taylor.”

Those are awfully big shoulder pads to be asked to fill for an inexperienced yet thriving NFL rookie. No pressure whatsoever.