By now, chances are you’ve heard it all about what was said by Jerry Jones about defensive star Micah Parsons at the Dallas Cowboys‘ press conference on Monday. We saw the latter repost J.J. Watt’s critical message of the franchise owner moments after. 

But on Tuesday, Parsons showed up to camp and participated in practice, proving yet again the ball is on the Cowboys’ court and that he’s holding his end of the bargain by being there for his team. Parsons spoke to the media for the first time in camp. Understandably, he didn’t look particularly happy at the situation he’s going through. 

“I’m going to talk to [Jerry after Monday’s press conference], I just thought as a whole everyone’s situation is different,” Parsons told NFL Network’s Jane Slater. “At the end of the day I’m here for my teammates, I’m not here to please another grown man. [. . .] I’m here for these guys, I’m not here for him.”  

Those are strong words from Parsons, specially after the front office suggested on Monday they wanted to see leadership from him as they negotiate a top-of-the-market contract extension with him. He’s showing he’s there because of the players and coaches, not to impress the front office. It’s only fair to point out he’s done enough in that front. 

“At the end of the day, he (isn’t) on the field with us, we’re on the field playing the games,” Parsons added. “We’re going to keep playing together.” 

Parsons is open to a contract extension not happening 

When talking to reporters, Parsons was open to a contract extension not happening and said he understood it’s business. The comment resembles the approach Dak Prescott during last year’s training camp amid similar negotiations.

“For me, it really doesn’t matter, I’ve been pretty consistent, if they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here,” Parsons told reporters. “If this is the end, this is the end, same way the Jones [. . .] take care of their family, same way I need to take care of my family.” 

Parsons did tell Slater he wants to be in Dallas. 

Parsons said he knew with DeMarcus Lawrence out from the team, it’s his turn to lead the defense and that it’s hard to do so away from the team. Before he puts pen to paper, he’s expected to be around but it’s extremely unlikely he will participate in team drills or live contact portions of camp.

There’s another reason why it’s clear Parsons is at camp, however, and it’s to continue what he’s done all offseason: Control the narrative and negotiate through the media. He’s winning.