His first year he wrecked his knee during the 9ers game. He lived in a suburb of Dallas about 6.5 miles away from Valley Ranch. He would ride his bicycle to work every day, then work out, then ride home all during the off season. Jerry has stated watching him get back from that injury was inspirational for everyone in the franchise.
Players would tell him to relax and just cash his paycheck. Michael ain’t built like that. When Jimmy showed up, Michael gave him a list of the players who were just getting a paycheck. Michael wanted to win and those guys needed to go somewhere else.
During practice, Irvin would come out and challenge the defensive backs. "Who’s going to make a play today?" He was vocal and on their rears from taking the practice field until they left. He held them accountable. But this was not just the average DBs that were on the team. He did this to Deion Sanders when he got here. And from things I have read, he worked Sanders over in practice every day.
Darren Woodson has stated that Michael would grab one of the third string QB’s and run routes after practice, honing his skills. Woody has said over and over that Michael would run routes until he threw up. Not just one time but daily.
It is my contention Irvin was the vocal leader Aikman and Smith were not. Troy would get onto the offensive line, but I have never heard anything about him talking ish to the defense in practice. Irvin saddled up that team – I understand the team had talent – and motivated them to greatness. Irvin was 100% all the time for this team.
*****
I see Parsons as something similar. This past off-season he took boxing lessons to improve his ability to block the hands of the defender as he mauls that guy. He is outspoken and challenges his defense to be better. He went out and joined offensive linemen from another team to practice and learn techniques. He is always working on his game and to get better. He wants to be the best, on the best defense, that wins championships.
And the team see this, and we are seeing the younger defenders respond.
I have seen fans here comment on Micah being vocal, as if he needs to shut up and just play. And I ask, why?
Perhaps these two players are not identical, but with Parsons being an asst. coach for Quinn on the field, and in the locker room and weight room, it is my feeling he could be this next generations Irvin as the bell cow for this team. The motivational player, perhaps in the style of Ray Lewis.
Off the field is another story, but then Michael Irvin was 100% there as well.
Just my opinion.
