‘If It Wasn’t for Your Daddy…’: Stephen A. Smith Sends Strong Message to Stephen Jones Over Micah Parsons Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 12:20 PM ET

Stephen A. Smith is once again lighting up the Dallas Cowboys front office, this time directing his fire at executive vice president and CEO Stephen Jones. The spark? Jones’ recent comment regarding Micah Parsons’ contract situation: “He has to want to get paid.”

The brash ESPN analyst didn’t waste time calling out what he saw as blatant hypocrisy.

“That is one of the most ignorant statements I've ever heard come out of the mouth of an NFL executive,” Smith said on ESPN. “Stephen Jones, respect to you my brother, but if it wasn't for your daddy, would you be a COO in the NFL? Did you want the job? Did you earn it?... you were born on third base. Don't act like you hit a triple.”

Smith’s frustration centers on what he views as the Cowboys’ long-standing mishandling of star talent during contract negotiations, with Parsons becoming the latest example.

Stephen A. Smith on Stephen Jones saying Micah Parsons has "got to want to be paid too":

"That is one of the most ignorant statements I've ever heard come out of the mouth of an NFL executive... Stephen Jones, respect to you my brother, but if it wasn't for your daddy, would you… pic.twitter.com/5Ww7KkyTNf
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 28, 2025

After finishing his fourth season in 2024, Parsons is now eligible for an extension and is expected to command one of the largest contracts for a defensive player in NFL history.

In 2024, Parsons racked up 12 sacks. He’s made the Pro Bowl in each of his four NFL seasons and has twice been named First-Team All-Pro. His production isn’t the issue — the front office is.

Parsons joins a growing list of Cowboys stars who’ve dealt with delays or tension over contract talks. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb both had to wait patiently for their contract extensions last year.

Smith’s larger point wasn’t just about Parsons; it was about accountability. He accused Jones of leaning on family ties and failing to deliver for a franchise that hasn't reached an NFC Championship Game since 1995.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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