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Micah Parsons continues to dominate Dallas Cowboys at their own game with latest decision as training camp kicks off

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 6:33 PM ET

Not many players would've made the trip to Oxnard, California for Dallas Cowboys training camp if they were in Micah Parsons' situation. NFL players negotiating long-term, top-of-the-market deals tend to hold out instead.

Heck, last year, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb held out until late training camp. Even Zack Martin did when he wanted a much-deserved boost to his salary a couple of years ago. It's not exclusive to Dallas: We see it all across the league.

But Parsons has taken a different approach every step of the way as he navigates the same waters Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott did last year. Not only did he show up to training camp as he said he would earlier in the summer, but he took the field on the first practice of the year.

According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parsons started off stretching and doing individual work. Parsons' decision comes one day after the front office controversially discussed his extension in the team's opening press conference while bringing up his leadership as something they want to see more of.

Micah Parsons going through stretching and some individual work pic.twitter.com/q2aFAyKEA9
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025

Parsons continues to beat the Cowboys at their own game

Parsons' decision to take the field is yet another example of how he's managed to make sure the narrative stays in his favor amid negotiations. Last year, the Jones-led front office criticized Lamb for holding out. Micah is taking that away from them as much as he can, as he is still extremely unlikely to participate in live contact drills once the pads come on on Sunday. He's also unlikely to do much even now.

Before that, the front office let the NFL world know it took "two to tango" when it came to negotiations. That's why Parsons has made sure to make it clear he wants to sign a deal but that there will be no backdoors. On Monday, Jerry Jones admitted he hadn't talked to agent David Mulugheta and later confirmed to reporters he had a detailed agreement with Parsons that was never finalized.

Taking the field is much more than a small gesture from the Cowboys star. It's him refusing to be portrayed as the villain of a story. And he's succeeding.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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