Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, made a pointed remark regarding linebacker Micah Parsons’ ongoing contract dispute during an encounter with Parsons’ mother, Sherese Parsons, at the team’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. As contract discussions between Parsons and the Cowboys remain unsettled ahead of the 2025 National Football League season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in 10 days, Jones approached Sherese while she wore her son’s No. 11 jersey at AT&T Stadium.
“Now Micah, why aren’t you out there playing?” said Jerry Jones to Sherese Parsons. “You act like you want some money or something.”
Despite Jones’ comment referencing her son’s holdout from team activities as he seeks a new deal or a possible trade, Sherese responded by embracing the Cowboys’ owner.
Parsons has not participated in training camp practices but has been attending meetings and walkthroughs. He was inactive for the preseason game and was seen sleeping on a medical table during the second half of Dallas’ 31-13 win over Atlanta. Afterward, he declined to speak with reporters, leaving teammate Trevon Diggs to address media questions on his behalf.
Asked if Parsons would participate in practice next week, Diggs told reporters: “I don’t know, his back is kinda tight. He had to get an MRI today. I don’t know.”
The linebacker continues to cite a back injury as his reason for missing practices while contract talks are unresolved. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated plans to meet with Parsons soon to discuss his behavior following reports that he fell asleep on the sideline during the game.
Parsons remains one of only a few major National Football League players still engaged in a standoff over contract negotiations this preseason; other notable players such as Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin and Cincinnati Bengals defender Trey Hendrickson have recently concluded their disputes with new contracts.
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