Ailing Micah Parsons channeling iconic Michael Jordan moment for MNF

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said it best — Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons “is a problem.” The second-year defender is already off to an incredible start after unanimously winning Defensive Rookie of the Year last season.

The skilled defender is one of the most focused and competitive athletes in the league. In fact, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones compared him to Mike Tyson. Parsons has shared with reporters that he watches videos and speeches from legendary athletes like Tyson, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan before games.

This week, Parsons has been dealing with “an illness.” The team has confirmed that the 23-year-old does not have COVID-19 nor does he have the flu. However, whatever he is ailing from has kept him out of practice all week. Parsons did a walkthrough on Saturday but has officially been listed as questionable for Monday night’s divisional contest.

Given his unstoppable nature, it’s no surprise that when he’s not feeling his best, the linebacker is looking to an epic moment in Jordan’s career — the flu game.

For those of you who don’t know, Jordan played through having the flu in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. Not only did the NBA legend play, but he had 38 points and led his team to a victory.

Parsons tweeted out a GIF from that game to suggest he plans to do the same on Monday night.

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons tweets out a GIF of Michael Jordan’s flu game ahead of Monday Night Football

Fun fact. Parsons wasn’t even born yet when this unforgettable sports moment happened. Yet, he’s clearly studied the greatest in sports very closely.

Although he is listed as questionable, it appears Parsons plans to do whatever it takes to be there for his team.

Unfortunately, the LB joins a long list of injured and questionable players for the Cowboys. Players like Quinton Bohanna, Michael Gallup, and Dalton Schultz are also listed as questionable, while Jayron Kearse, Dak Prescott, and Connor McGovern continue to be out.

We obviously don’t know what Parsons is suffering from, but we certainly know his personality. It will be incredibly difficult for the Cowboys to keep this defender off the field. We hope that Parsons feels better before Monday and can continue putting together a stellar campaign for Defensive Player of the Year.

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