Micah Parsons Wants To Return Kickoffs With New Rules And It Is Now Up To Mike McCarthy
Micah Parsons is one of the fastest and most physical players in the NFL. As such, it is his hope for a more expansive role with the Dallas Cowboys next season.
He wants to return kicks. Seriously.
Parsons, a two-time First Team All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year, is listed at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds. Even though he is a massive dude, he is remarkably quick on his feet.
The former No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft ran a blazing fast 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine that year and later beat Tyreek Hill in a race. Parsons is a freak of nature.
It would normally be extremely foolish to line up a linebacker/edge rusher as a kick returner. That is still true. Dallas likely would not want to risk an injury.
However, the new kickoff format makes it far less absurd of an idea. (It’s still crazy!)
The kicking team will line up at the opposite 35-yard-line. The receiving team will line up on its own 30.
Kicks must land between the receiving team’s 20-yard line and the goal line. Players may only begin play after the kick is fielded, or if the ball hits the ground.
Micah Parsons, being as fast and physical as he is, would be a nightmare to bring down. He agrees.
Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel recently revealed that the star defensive player asked for an opportunity. Fassel deferred to the head coach.
Interestingly enough, this is not the first time that a team has toyed with the idea of Parsons as a kick returner. Penn State gave it a shot during practice back in 2019!
Although it is extremely unlikely that Mike McCarthy will sign off on the move, we can dream.
Imagine someone as large as Micah Parsons running 4.36 speed in the open field?! That is a terrifying mental image.
