NFL Legend Dick Butkus praises Cowboys’ Micah Parsons after winning his award

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons has added yet another accolade to his name. After having a standout rookie campaign with 84 tackles and 13 sacks, it’s no surprise that the Cowboys’ young star has received and continues to receive many awards. Twice during the season, he was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Week. He was also awarded the PFWA 2021 Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowl selection, was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press, and has all but won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

On Tuesday, Parsons was also named the Butkus Award winner for the NFL. The Butkus Award, named after the legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, is awarded every year to the best linebacker in high school, college, and professional football. The rookie is the first Cowboy to win the award since DeMarcus Ware did in 2011.

Butkus, who now has a hilarious Twitter presence, congratulated the former Penn State player on the accomplishment. The Hall of Famer told Parsons to kick butt in the Pro Bowl as well.

The decorated rookie was grateful in his response to the NFL legend.

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons wins the Butkus Award in his first year in the NFL and receives praise from Dick Butkus himself

There is no denying that Parsons is worthy of the awards and praise he is getting. Throughout the season, the rookie was compared to some of the greatest defenders to play football. But how does the rookie feel about hitting his success so early? This is what he told the Associated Press after being named to first-team All-Pro:

"“I think when you achieve things early, you’ve got to learn how to sustain it. People always say when you get there it gets easier. But I think when you get there, it gets harder. Once you get it, you’ve got it. But it’s hard to sustain it then it is just to get there. I’ve got to just keep working and keep getting better and find a way to beat this season next year, which is the harder part.”"

Parsons refers to himself as “The Lion” and always mentions that he remains hungry. His work ethic and attitude show that he isn’t ready to stop anytime soon.

After Parsons received the physical award, he posted photos with the trophy on his Twitter account. Butkus hilariously responded by commenting that Parsons’ “shirt really brings out the award.” In all seriousness, what the Cowboy has accomplished this year, rookie or not, is nothing short of phenomenal. Let’s hope he continues to live up to the hype he has created around himself.

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