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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Just wish you said this to me but instead on some podcast! And you got my number family!” Micah Parsons specifically wrote this for his teammate, Malik Hooker, when he called him out publicly on Keyshawn Johnson’s podcast. And arguably, Parsons is right!

Criticism within the team isn’t for the cameras. However, Parsons forgot his own advice and chose a similar way to Malik’s when it came to disapproving of Mazi Smith. Thus, it wasn’t surprising to witness an NFL analyst call out the Dallas Cowboys linebacker for his actions, terming them as hypocritical.

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Micah Parsons comes under the rebuke gun of the NFL analyst

In a recent episode of the Speak hosts, analysts Emmanuel Acho, LeSean McCoy, Joy Taylor, and James Jones, discussed Micah Parsons’ and his current dual stance on approaching any issue within the team. Taylor, expressed her version on July 31, 2024, pointing out that this time, Parsons is wrong! She expressed, “Now if he didn’t have that conversation with him privately, then he is being hypocrite because that’s what he said, he wanted Malik Hooker to do.” Her comments also revolve around Parsons’s leadership approach within the team.

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Taylor emphasized that Parsons should have approached Smith, instead of calling him out. She believed the linebacker should have expressed the team’s high standards and his expectations directly to Smith. The analyst felt Parsons, being one of the best players, should lead by example and encourage his teammates to meet those standards for the sake of the team’s success.

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This approach, she argues, would better promote accountability and unity within the team, as well as it will refrain him from being a “hypocrite.” But, what’s the full story? Actually, this week, Malik Hooker voiced his concerns about the LB’s focus on podcasting during the football season. On Keyshawn Johnson’s “All Facts No Brakes” podcast, Hooker questioned whether Parsons was truly committed to the team’s success, especially with the run game struggling.

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He wondered if Parsons cared more about his podcast audience than their Super Bowl aspirations. Parsons, who was clearly offended by the public critique, responded on social media. He wished Hooker had spoken to him directly, especially since they share a locker.

Parsons further emphasized that he only records his podcast on his day off and questioned why their team’s preparation and focus weren’t the main topics. But here’s the twist! When something similar came to Parson’s attention, he didn’t choose to do what he advised.

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This camp message Mazi Smith would never forget!

The Cowboys had high hopes for Mazi Smith when they drafted him 26th overall. His rookie season didn’t live up to those expectations. So, now if Dallas wants to stay among the top defenses, Smith has to step up this year. But Micah Parsons didn’t mince words. He made it clear that Smith needs to be dominant. During a padded practice, Parsons was seen pushing Smith to elevate his game, highlighting the urgency.

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He told the reporters first that it’s not just about potential; Smith must be a dominant force. Parsons also added, “When you get to this business, there is no more of a choice or a can: it’s either you will or you won’t. They usually try to find someone else to do it if you can’t. It’s what Mazi has to be….That’s why they drafted him in the first round.

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Smith played all 17 games last season but only managed 13 tackles and one sack, mostly serving as a backup. And if the Cowboys are looking for a Super Bowl, this isn’t enough for a first-round pick. Hence, Smith must have to deliver this season. But, how is Smith feeling as the season is approaching soon?

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As per reports, the defensive lineman is determined to turn things around. He’s looking forward to a fresh start and regaining the strength he lost last year, as he expressed, “I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be now.” While not much has been discussed about Parsons’ comment regarding Smith, it is evident that the team will look to build a rapport, especially if they want to conquer a Super Bowl.

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Bhwya Sriya

2,911 Articles

Bhwya Sriya is an NFL Editor at EssentiallySports. A certified beat reporter with a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, she specializes in live game coverage, breaking news, and injury reports. Her work is particularly focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl reporting, where she excels at combining tactical analysis with major off-field narratives, such as the Travis Kelce–Taylor Swift story. With over two years on the EssentiallySports editorial team, Bhwya has earned a spot as a mentor to the site's reporters. This role is a natural fit, given her extensive experience and her long-standing personal engagement with sports, which includes earning athletics medals at divisional championships. She leverages her background in both technical writing and hands-on sports to guide her team.

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Aazima Basharat

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