The Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons have very different responses when asked about Sunday night's upcoming reunion. It is understandable for Parsons that the pain is still fresh after the shocking trade that sent one of the league's best players to the Green Bay Packers.
Still, the star pass rusher has a lot of love for his ex-teammates. When asked specifically about attempting to chase down quarterback Dak Prescott (h/t Associated Press), Parsons admitted it would be "painful."
"It's going to be painful. That's my guy. He was always like a good mentor for me. But you know how it is. He always told me if I ever faced him that it'll be a great matchup, so I'm excited to see what Sunday brings itself."Micah Parsons
The former Cowboy has made it clear that taking on Prescott and the Cowboys won't be easy, despite the Packers' early success. It also shows that the All-Pro defender still respects his former teammates even though owner/general manager Jerry Jones continues to be petty over the situation, with the latest update being a lack of a tribute ahead of Sunday's game.
Former Cowboys Star Micah Parsons Points Out Difficulty of Facing Dak Prescott
What really sticks out about Parsons' quote is the fact that he called Prescott a mentor to him. That isn't something you would typically hear of an edge rusher whose one job is to get to the quarterback. While this is obviously very different in preseason and practice reps, these are still two players who are used to challenging each other since Parsons debuted in 2021.
To hear the respect that Prescott still garners even amid the upcoming emotional matchup is refreshing.
It is especially needed now with the Cowboys having reason to doubt their quarterback amid an underwhelming performance. As great as Prescott has been throughout his career, last week's loss to the Chicago Bears is hard to forget. Still, the veteran QB is owed a bit of grace, having lost top wideout CeeDee Lamb for the foreseeable future.
For Parsons, there has to be a part of him who hopes another tough day is in store for America's Team. Even amid the mutual respect, there isn't anything quite like the motivation you get from a franchise that has disrespected you. This is exactly what the Dallas ownership and front office group did to the best player to have walked through their door over the last decade.
Parsons will also want to show Prescott & Co. that he hasn't lost a step since leaving the Lone Star State, currently sitting with the third-best Pro Football Focus pass rush grade (91.5) among 155 exterior defenders.
As much as Parsons respects Prescott, it'll be interesting to see how that translates to the gridiron in Week 4. The ex-Cowboy's top job is to make opposing QBs' lives a living hell, which is why he might throw respect out the window when he arrives at AT&T Stadium this weekend.