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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas — After Micah Parsons’ rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, coach Mike McCarthy said that as good a player as Parsons is, the next challenge will be bringing in other players.
Parsons missed the initial portion of his voluntary offseason program the past two years and decided to work out on his own. He attended The Star on Wednesday to go over essential in-game content and broadcast elements that will take place during the season, but did not participate in any on-site training.
“I think any time we have an opportunity to be together, it’s an opportunity to improve, whether it’s the mental area, whether it’s the physical area that has obviously been limited this year, emotional connection, etc.,” McCarthy said. “But you know, it’s a really long year. Training camp is really where all of that comes into focus. But it’s definitely a missed opportunity.”
After the Cowboys’ season ended with a wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers, Parsons said on his podcast that he wanted to change the culture and bring in more leadership.
When asked if Parsons would practice on Thursday, McCarthy referenced a quote from former linebacker Darren Hambrick a few years ago: “What does voluntary mean?”
McCarthy said Parsons has been around the facility more than people realize and that he is in good condition. He had one-on-one meetings with coaches to explore the changes new coordinator Mike Zimmer would bring to the defense.
“He’s engaged.” McCarthy said. “He will be ready when the time comes.”
The Cowboys have mandatory minicamp next week. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb did not play during the offseason as he awaits a long-term contract extension, but McCarthy said “98 percent of the team was there almost 100 percent of the time.”
McCarthy has communicated with athletes who, for whatever reason, were unable to participate in the volunteer program. The Cowboys depart for training camp in Oxnard, California, on July 23.
“Everyone has a responsibility, whether they’re here or not, to get what they need because when we play Oxnard, that’s our only opportunity for real football,” McCarthy said. “That’s how we’re going to approach it, so I’m confident that when we get there, everyone will be ready to go.”
