Micah Parsons named NFL Butkus Award winner in debut season
The list of honors for former Penn State defensive star Micah Parsons grew again Tuesday.
And Parsons, true to form, made the most of it.
Announced by Dick Butkus on Twitter, Parsons was named the Butkus Award Winner at the professional level for his first-year performance with the Dallas Cowboys.
“Big shout out to @MicahhParsons11 this years butkus award winner,” Butkus wrote on Twitter, “he had a heck of a season and joins elite company
“kick ass in the pro bowl”
Shortly after Butkus’ announcement – the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame inductee recently verified by Twitter – Micah Parsons responded in kind.
Thanking the five-time NFL All-Pro and twice-over NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the recognition, the former Nittany Lion highlighted the characteristics of Butkus he hopes to embody in his NFL career.
“I’m glad I can represent the brand and embody what it means to have dedication and work ethic!” Parsons wrote. “Thank you for the selection of becoming Butkus award winner which allows me to join elite company!!”
Micah Parsons rookie NFL season
The recognition for Parsons comes on the eve of his first NFL Pro Bowl selection, the annual showcase game set for Sunday, Feb. 6, in Las Vegas.
Also named a first-team NFL All-Pro for his performance with the Cowboys, helping to lead Dallas to the playoffs, Parsons filled the stat sheet. His 84 total tackles in the regular season and playoffs finished second on the team behind Jayron Kearse while his 13 sacks were the most on the Cowboys’ defense.
Beyond Dallas, his effort also stood out both among all rookies and in the NFL as a whole.
Described by Pro Football Focus as “the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL this season, regardless of experience,” Parsons badgered offenses at every level of the field. Along with his sacks and three forced fumbles, Parsons was also credited with three passes defended.
Along the way, the former Nittany Lion also earned NFL Rookie of the Month honors in both November and December.
