Even though Micah Parsons now suits up in green and gold, Cowboys fans-and really, fans of great defensive football-are still watching closely. And one thing’s become painfully clear: Parsons continues to get the short end of the stick when it comes to officiating.
Through 14 weeks of the season, the All-Pro edge rusher has yet to draw a single holding penalty. Not one.
For a guy who lives in the backfield and is routinely double-teamed, that’s not just surprising-it’s baffling.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur isn’t staying quiet about it either. After Green Bay’s win over the Bears, LaFleur voiced his frustration in a way that walked the fine line between calling out the officials and avoiding a fine.
“I guess I don't know what holding is anymore because I thought that was pretty clear-clear and obvious hold,” LaFleur said postgame. “I guess I don't know what that means.”
He’s not alone in that confusion. Parsons has been vocal all season about the lack of calls in his favor, and it’s not just holding.
He’s spoken out about illegal hands to the face going unnoticed, even when it’s clear someone’s got a grip on his facemask. And in a league that’s supposed to protect its players and enforce the rules equally, that kind of inconsistency is hard to ignore.
Earlier this year, Parsons vented his frustration, suggesting that the league is quicker to call defensive penalties-offsides, pass interference-while being far more lenient with offensive infractions. He even hinted that the NFL might be protecting offensive production to keep the scoreboard lit and fans entertained. That’s a bold claim, sure, but when you’re getting mugged on the edge and no one’s throwing a flag, it’s easy to understand where that emotion comes from.
And it’s not just a player venting into the void. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys actually sent a memo to the league late last season, formally raising concerns about Parsons not getting the calls he should. Based on this year’s results, it doesn’t seem like that memo moved the needle.
This isn’t a new conversation in the NFL. Some of the league’s best pass rushers-think J.J.
Watt in his prime-have long argued that they’re held on nearly every play. It comes with the territory when you’re that disruptive.
But zero holding penalties through 14 weeks for one of the most dominant edge rushers in the game? That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Despite the lack of whistles, Parsons is still putting together a season worthy of All-Pro recognition. He’s tied for third in the league with 12.5 sacks, and his 73 pressures, 14 quarterback hits, and 23.1% pass-rush win rate all rank in the top six among edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s been a game-wrecker week in and week out-regardless of whether the officials are giving him a fair shake.
At the end of the day, Parsons and LaFleur aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re just asking for the rules to be enforced.
And while Cowboys fans may still be adjusting to seeing No. 11 in a different uniform, they can probably agree on one thing: Micah Parsons deserves better from the officials. He’s too good to be ignored, and if the league wants to maintain credibility with fans and players alike, it might be time to start throwing some flags when he’s clearly being held.
Until then, Parsons will keep doing what he does-breaking down protection schemes, blowing up plays, and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. But don’t be surprised if the frustration keeps bubbling over. Because when you’re dominating like he is and still not getting the calls, it’s hard not to feel like the game’s being called a little differently for you.