Micah Parsons makes big impact for Dallas Cowboys in Hall of Fame Game

Former Penn State Football All-American linebacker Micah Parsons made a big play for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Hall of Fame Game

Micah Parsons was certainly a playmaker during his two seasons in the heart of Penn State Football’s defense, and in his NFL preseason debut for the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night, proved that skill-set translates to the next level.

Parsons, chosen by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 12 overall pick in this spring’s NFL Draft made an immediate impact for the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game, when he recovered a first quarter fumble.

Later, Parsons showed solid pursuit, tackling Steelers running back Najee Harris from behind and nearly forcing a fumble.

Parsons’ fast start in his preseason debut comes on the heels of what has been a dominant start to his rookie training camp.

"“He needs to play opening day,” Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy tells Pro Football Talk’s Peter King. “You have to trust what your eyes are telling you. And when I watch him, I see a fluid and explosive player. This game’s not too big for him. Some guys run a 4.3. Some guys play 4.3. He’s the kind of guy who plays fast. He looks like he’s done this at this level before.”"

In two seasons in Happy Valley, Parsons produced 191 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and six forced fumbles.

If Parsons can make that kind of impact for the Cowboys as a rookie, Dallas’ defense is going to make significant strides in 2021.