Micah Parsons Claims Giants Lied About Drafting Him in 2021

NEW ORLEANS — Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons revealed Thursday that the New York Giants promised to draft him in 2021 but reneged on their word, a decision that has haunted the Giants ever since. Parsons, speaking to CBS Sports ahead of Super Bowl LIX, shared the behind-the-scenes story of how he ended up in Dallas instead of New York.

“They lied to me,” Parsons said. “People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to 11, that they was going to pick me. When the Cowboys traded back, I was like, ‘Oh shoot, I’m going to New York.'”

Instead, the Giants traded the No. 11 pick to the Chicago Bears, who selected quarterback Justin Fields. The Giants moved down to No. 20, where they drafted wide receiver Kadarius Toney, a player who lasted less than two seasons with the team. The trade also netted the Giants a 2022 first-round pick, which they used on offensive tackle Evan Neal, who has struggled to meet expectations.

Parsons, meanwhile, was selected by the Cowboys at No. 12 and has since become one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players. In eight games against the Giants, he has recorded 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits, the second-most against any single opponent. The Cowboys are undefeated in those matchups.

“That’s why I punish the Giants every time,” Parsons said, referencing his success against New York. The Giants’ decision to pass on Parsons has become a glaring misstep, as Toney and Neal have failed to make a significant impact, while Parsons has emerged as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense.

The Giants’ front office has faced criticism for their handling of the 2021 draft, and Parsons’ revelation adds another layer to the narrative. “God bless those New York Football Giants,” Parsons joked, highlighting the franchise’s recent struggles.

As the Cowboys continue to build around Parsons, the Giants are left to wonder what could have been if they had kept their promise to draft the star linebacker.