Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ standout linebacker, finds himself at the center of controversy once again—not for his performance on the field, but for what he’s doing off it. The two-time All-Pro defender has been under fire from fans for hosting a podcast while his team endured a disappointing 7-10 season.
Despite the rising popularity of athlete-led podcasts across sports, Parsons’ decision to keep producing content has sparked outrage among Cowboys supporters, who feel he should be more focused on football. The criticism hasn’t waned in the offseason, leaving Parsons bewildered by the backlash. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to address his detractors, writing:
Lol I wonder do people hate my podcast because it’s actually good or do people hate it because it’s bad?? Because hella people in the NBA and NFL have podcast(s) and no one has a problem.
Fans responded by pointing out the Cowboys’ underwhelming season, suggesting Parsons’ media endeavors were a distraction. However, not everyone agrees with the critics—especially his peers in the NFL.
Marlon Humphrey and Chad Johnson Defend Parsons
Among the voices backing Parsons is Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who offered a sarcastic take on the situation, highlighting the unrealistic expectations placed on professional athletes.
Pro athletes are only allowed to play their sport. You’re not allowed to do anything extra-curricular outside of it. Everyone knows the rules, sir.
His tongue-in-cheek remark underscores a larger conversation in sports: Should athletes be restricted to just their game, or do they have the right to expand their brand and speak freely?
Retired NFL star Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson was far more direct in his support for Parsons, delivering a strong message to those pressuring him to quit podcasting.
I’ll beat you the f**k up if you stop your podcast, you have a voice & a platform, use it or deal with the consequences from me.
Johnson, a known advocate for athletes controlling their own narratives, has long encouraged players to embrace media opportunities. For him, Parsons’ podcast isn’t a distraction—it’s a smart business move.
With such high-profile support from fellow NFL stars, it’s clear that Parsons’ venture into podcasting isn’t just about content—it’s about the evolving role of modern athletes.
Micah Parsons’ Future with the Cowboys: Staying Focused Despite Drama
Beyond the podcast controversy, Parsons also faces uncertainty regarding his future with the Cowboys. With one year remaining on his rookie contract, the star linebacker has yet to receive a contract extension offer from Dallas.
Many players in his position might consider holding out or demanding a trade, but Parsons remains committed to his team. Speaking after the Cowboys’ season finale against Washington, he made it clear that he wants to help Dallas get back on track.
I called upon the star. I landed on it, and I’m grateful. I feel like I got one of the best jobs in America… I don’t want to hold anybody up. I want to see some of these (free agents) back in this locker room.
We have a great opportunity. I want to see change. I want to see players here. I want to be as aggressive as we can be. I don’t want to be a headache to nobody.
His words signal a desire not just to remain with the franchise but to help lead a turnaround. While contract talks may eventually take center stage, Parsons is maintaining a team-first mentality—for now.
Micah Parsons’ situation highlights a growing divide between traditional sports culture and the modern era of athlete branding. While fans may believe that anything outside of football is a distraction, players like Parsons are proving that they can build their legacy both on and off the field.
With heavyweights like Marlon Humphrey and Chad Johnson backing him, Parsons isn’t likely to back down. Whether the Cowboys’ fanbase likes it or not, the era of athletes controlling their own narratives is here to stay.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.