New York Giants fans aren’t going to like this one.

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons recently revealed a surprising twist from the 2021 NFL Draft that’s sure to sting Big Blue supporters. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden on Thursday, Parsons claimed that the Giants had assured him they would select him if he was available at No. 11—only to trade out of the pick instead.

“They lied to me,” Parsons stated bluntly. “People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to No. 11 that they was going to pick me. I swear. That’s why I punish the Giants every time. It’s personal. … ‘Cause when the Cowboys traded back, I was like ‘Oh shoot, I’m going to New York.’”

Instead of drafting Parsons, the Giants traded the No. 11 pick to the Chicago Bears. In return, New York received the 20th and 164th selections in the 2021 draft, along with first- and fourth-round picks in 2022. The Bears used the No. 11 pick to select quarterback Justin Fields, while the Cowboys, sitting at No. 12, seized the opportunity to draft Parsons. The Giants eventually picked wide receiver Kadarius Toney at No. 20.

Looking back, the trade has not aged well for the Giants. Toney, the player they selected instead of Parsons, was traded away after just one season. The Giants used the 2022 first-round pick from Chicago to draft offensive tackle Evan Neal, who has struggled significantly in pass protection. Neal’s struggles were evident enough that he wasn’t even a starter at the beginning of the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, Parsons has become a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier linebackers. His dominance on the field, particularly against the Giants, now carries an added layer of personal motivation.

For Giants fans, the revelation adds salt to the wound, highlighting what could have been a franchise-altering decision. Instead of securing a defensive superstar, the team’s draft choices have left them with more questions than answers.