Watching Micah Parsons Evolve? 'Like Lions On A Safari!' Cowboys Star Explains

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons has proven to be one of the NFL's defensive players in just two seasons. And the "Lion-backer'' is evolving ...

Since Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons entered the league two years ago, he's been a difference-maker. He's also been a noise-maker, and he has no intention of changing.

This week, Micah said he enjoys having all eyes on him on the field ... and we might suggest the following remark also applies to why he enjoys talking so much, on Twitter and in interviews. ... Oh, and of course he used his favorite "lion'' comparison.

"If you go to a safari, you see buses pull up on lions, and the lion never flinches," Parsons explained. "Why? Because they’re king. They’re not going to flinch. Please come visit, you’re more than welcome. I’m OK with feeling uncomfortable. That’s how you evolve." 

Can the former first-round pick "evolve'' into something even better? CBS Sports recently ranked the NFL's top edge rushers and after being listed as a linebacker last year, Parsons cracked the top five, coming in at No. 4 - just behind the Steelers' T.J. Watt, Cleveland's Myles Garrett and San Francisco's Nick Bosa.

There are the numbers - 13 sacks and 67 pressures as a rookie and then 13.5 sacks and 90 pressures last year - but it's more than that. As the "heart and soul" of this Cowboys defense under coordinator Dan Quinn, Parsons has led the Cowboys in sacks, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and quarterback hits in each of the last two seasons - while also receiving All-Pro honors both years.

With Parsons proven track record as a proven game-wrecker up to this point,  the Cowboys are now focused on getting the most out of the "pass-rushing linebacker" entering his third season. in terms of sacks, some are talking of Micah being on "an historic pace.'' But he's talking of being "dominant'' without being sack-happy - all part of an evolution that could give the Cowboys their first Defensive Player of the Year winner since Harvey Martin in 1977. ... and could give all of us on "safari'' a close look at a "lion.''

---

You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

COWBOYS FISH REPORT … now a podcast! Join us inside The Star, ANY TIME!

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?

Follow FishSports on Twitter

Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook