One important storyline for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason was how Micah Parsons would approach the offseason.
With the older players in the locker room now moving on, there's a chance for a new leadership regime to come into power at The Star, one of which Parsons wants to be involved in.
The other is Micah's contract.
Would he show up and be the leader this team needs on the defensive side of the ball, even with his contract talks moving slowly? The short answer was yes, and Micah was one of the first to walk through the door at The Star as the offseason program began.
But why was it important for Micah to be present on Day 1?
"Just talking to Schotty (coach Brian Schottenheimer), and telling me the importance, how it is to come and be there and what he's trying to prove, show to the team, I just thought it was important for me and my relationship with our new head coach," Parsons said. "Understand where he's coming from and help him in any way I can.
"Schotty showed up to my (charity) event, Schotty's been around, trying to build relationships, so we're at the point where if he asks for me to come in, it's important for the leadership aspect and be around the guys and show face then that's something I'm willing to do for my coach or anybody."
In other words, Micah is buying in.
In a sense, Micah has two jobs here.
And so does the new coach.
That's why a private meeting between the two makes so much sense.
Micah is working with owner Jerry Jones (slowly, at the moment) toward what can be a new five-year, $200 million contract. But he's also got to work for the coach.
Schottenheimer is working to build a roster.
But he's also working to build relationships.
First-year coach Schottenheimer looking to turn around the culture and the standards that have been set, a big part of that is getting player buy-in.
Parsons is in, so too Jake Ferguson, with the relationships that Schottenheimer is placing a premium on, being the driving force behind this regime change.
Yes, Micah wants a new contract, but he also wants to be a leader in the locker room, and to truly show that you're invested, you have to show up— Parsons did.
That shows that Micah is invested in the football team, his teammates, and perhaps most importantly, his first-time head coach in Schottenheimer.
