The contract dispute between the Dallas Cowboys and star pass rusher Micah Parsons remains at a standstill. Neither side has made progress, and there are signs that the relationship between the player and team may be permanently damaged.
Matters worsened last weekend during the Cowboys’ preseason game, when Parsons was spotted sleeping on the sideline. The incident drew heavy criticism from fans and media alike, and now a former NFL linebacker has weighed in on Parsons’ actions.
Former NFL Star Criticizes Micah Parsons for Sideline Behavior During Contract Standoff
In the latter half of training camp, Parsons has made it clear he no longer wants to be a Cowboy. The three-time All-Pro has not participated in practice throughout camp and formally requested a trade.
This weekend, he escalated his frustrations with the front office, particularly with owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
By showing what many viewed as blatant disrespect for the organization when he was seen napping on the sideline during Dallas’ preseason finale against the Falcons.
Micah Parsons was seen sleeping during the Cowboys’ final preseason game 😬 pic.twitter.com/31DNYLhB3O
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 23, 2025
Many fans saw Parsons’ decision as crossing the line. While frustration with Jerry Jones is understandable, sleeping on the sideline came across as more disrespectful to his teammates than to the Cowboys’ front office.
Among those criticizing the move was former NFL linebacker and five-time Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley, who now works as an agent in the league.
Speaking with analyst Kay Adams on the “Up and Adams Show”, Mosley, who played in a major market with the New York Jets, explained that Parsons’ actions in a city like Dallas are not acceptable. He added that behavior like this ultimately damages Parsons’ public perception, which in turn can hurt his standing in the league.
Former LB CJ Mosley offers a two-sided perspective on Micah Parsons’ contract saga — as a player and now a sports agency founder.@heykayadams | @TreyDeuce32RTR | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/dz5Nwcyf1z
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 25, 2025
“At the end of the day, he has to understand his statue, and there’s a time and a place for everything,” Mosley said. “With the media, and you know the team, and that star on his helmet, any little thing he does, just like being in New York, is going to get portrayed a certain way, and it’s usually not the way you want it to be portrayed.”
Mosley has a point. Before the sideline incident, much of the public was on Parsons’ side. In only four seasons, the young pass rusher has tallied 52.5 sacks and more than earned the payday he demands from the Cowboys.
That changed on Saturday when he showed what many viewed as blatant disrespect to his teammates. Public perception shifted quickly, and while it may not seem significant, it likely altered how teams around the league view him.
Despite Parsons’ trade request, the Cowboys have shown no interest in moving him, and negotiations remain stalled.
It is still unclear whether he will suit up for Dallas’ season opener against the Eagles on Thursday, September 4. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m., and coverage will be on Amazon Prime Video.
