Bengals Legend Urges Micah Parsons Not to Take Jerry Jones’ Contract Tactics Personally originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has seen enough of Jerry Jones’ negotiating playbook to offer a word of advice to Micah Parsons: Don’t take it personally.
On a recent episode of “Nightcap” alongside co-host Shannon Sharpe, the former Bengals star addressed the ongoing contract saga between Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys, reminding fans, and Parsons himself, that this is just how Jones operates.
“He can’t take it personal,” Johnson said. “We’ve seen Jerry do this to multiple players. He did it to Dak. He did the same thing to CeeDee Lamb. He did the same thing to Ezekiel Elliott … even back in the day with Emmitt Smith and Jimmy Johnson.”
Training camp is officially underway for the Cowboys, but the spotlight has shifted to Parsons’ unresolved contract situation. Jones stirred the pot with some vague comments to open camp, prompting Parsons and Trevon Diggs to address the media. Parsons didn’t hold back.
“If they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here,” Parsons said. “That’s the nature of the business. I’ve got three kids. I’ve got to take care of my family just like Jerry and [co-owner] Stephen [Jones] take care of theirs.”
That “if this is the end, this is the end” line sent alarm bells through Cowboys Nation. While the general belief is that Parsons will eventually ink a record-breaking extension — possibly over $40 million annually — his measured tone carried a rare dose of uncertainty.
And if recent history is any indicator, he’s not bluffing. The drawn-out deals with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb followed a similar pattern: public tension, media volleys and eventual resolutions. But this one feels more personal.
Ochocinco’s message? Don’t let it be.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.