The ultimate goal for nearly every NFL player is to win a Super Bowl. As one of the highest honors in all of sports, winning the Lombardi Trophy is something players dream of achieving. That stands true for standout linebacker Micah Parsons.
Since entering the league, Parsons has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players for the Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable franchise in sports. However, despite all the accolades and recognition, Parsons is willing to leave it behind if he doesn’t achieve his ultimate goal.
It’s Super Bowl or Bust for Parsons
A Defensive Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Pro selection, and four-time Pro Bowler, Parsons has already built an impressive resume since being drafted in 2021. But for him, the only accolade that truly matters is a Super Bowl ring.
While in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, Parsons spoke on his podcast, The Edge with Micah Parsons, about what his future could look like if he fails to win a championship.
“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. In the next four or five years, once I hit that 30, and I’m not where I need to be, if that ring isn’t right here fitted,” Parsons said, waving his hand forward—a gesture popularized by LeSean McCoy, who joined the Chiefs in 2019 and won a Super Bowl with them.
@hbtCHIEFS did you see this? pic.twitter.com/3W7gRFaBY5
— Brandon Yano (@BrandonYano) February 8, 2025
His intention was clear. Even when pressed on the matter, Parsons simply responded, “Hey, I gotta get me a ring too, dawg.”
With Parsons approaching 26, the Cowboys could have one more contract to work with before he considers a move elsewhere.
The Chiefs have built a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive teams, led by Chris Jones. But at 30 years old, Jones is nearing the latter stages of his prime. If Parsons ever becomes available, Kansas City would almost certainly be interested.
For now, however, Parsons is focused on the offseason, where he is set to negotiate a contract extension with the Cowboys. The final number on that deal could be impacted by the trade rumors surrounding Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who recently requested a trade.
The former Butkus Award winner has made it clear that if acquiring Garrett becomes a realistic option, he would be willing to take a pay cut to make it happen.
This season did not go as planned for the Cowboys, but with a healthier roster and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer taking over, the future remains uncertain. For Parsons, the only thing that matters is whether that future includes a Super Bowl ring.
Where Did the Cowboys Rank in PFSN’s Defense+ Metric?
PFSN’s defense rankings combine statistics such as yards per play, points per drive, sack percentage, turnover percentage, success rate against the run and pass, third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency, pressure percentage when not blitzing, and various expected points added (EPA) measures against both the run and pass.
After a string of positive performances, the Cowboys’ defense cratered to end the season. Injuries, particularly in the secondary, took their toll on a team playing out the string.
Dallas had at least one weak link at cornerback most of the season, with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland playing just one game together all year (Week 14).
As a result, Dallas fell from eighth in EPA per dropback last season to 16th this season. Coupled with the second-worst run defense by EPA per rush, that explains the Cowboys’ descent into the bottom 10 defenses.
The unit ranked nowhere near the heights of the Dan Quinn era. Having been a top-five unit for each of the last three years, falling down to the bottom 10 is a massive drop-off and shows the value Quinn brought to the franchise.