Micah Parsons details major source of motivation entering second NFL season

Breakout Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons took time to explain what motivation he uses to prepare himself for his second NFL season. Parsons shined as a rookie in the league coming out of Penn State, playing well above expectations and becoming a key part of an improving Dallas defense. According to Parsons, his motivation comes from competitiveness and tying to be great on a historical level.

Micah Parsons on motivation

“The thing that keeps me driving is just my competitive nature,” explained Parsons. “You look at all the great players like MJ, you look at LeBron and Kobe, they always have this drive to do something bigger than what was ever done before. Bringing a Super Bowl is where my mind’s at, and that’s what drives me.

“And personally what I want to do for my family and this team and what I know I can accomplish with my abilities, that’s what drives me. We talk all the time about so much talent of youth and older kids that just go to waste, and I don’t want this to go to waste. I just want to be an example. That’s what drives me for my city and for my family.”

Parsons won 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year as well in his first year in the NFL. He finished the year with 13 sacks, good for sixth-most in the NFL. His ability to be played almost anywhere on the field was a tremendous addition to the Cowboys defense, and he was able to get to quarterbacks an exceptional amount of times despite being used in coverage as well as pass rushing.

It will likely be difficult to improve on his numbers from a statistical standpoint, but his growth as a leader and his ability to work through opposing teams planning their offense around him will be his next step as a defender. Heading into the 2022 NFL season, teams around the league have plenty of tape to watch on Parsons — and every team Dallas faces will try to find ways to shut him down.