Micah Parsons Reveals How the New York Giants Lied to Him Before the 2021 NFL Draft

A Shocking Draft-Day Revelation

Leading up to the Super Bowl, media members have the opportunity to interview various players, even those not participating in the big game. Occasionally, these interviews reveal unexpected stories, and that was certainly the case when CBS Sports’ Bryant McFadden spoke with Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

During their one-on-one conversation, Parsons dropped a surprising revelation about the New York Giants, claiming they misled him before the 2021 NFL Draft.

“Nah, bro, [the New York Giants] lied to me,” Parsons said in the interview. “People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to 11, that they were going to pick me. That’s why I punish the Giants every time. It’s personal with them.”

A Rivalry With Extra Motivation

Even without this draft-day controversy, Cowboys players traditionally have little love for their NFC East rivals, the Giants. However, for Parsons, the grudge runs deeper. After believing he was destined to play in New York, only to be passed over, he has made it his mission to make the Giants regret their decision every time they face him.

His performances against the Giants have backed up his words. Since entering the league, Parsons has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, and he takes particular pride in dominating the team that once promised to draft him.

The Giants’ Costly Draft Decision

Looking back, the Giants’ decision to pass on Parsons stands out as a major misstep. Instead of selecting the dominant 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker, who has recorded 192 tackles in just 16 games, they opted to trade down to the 20th pick. With that selection, they took wide receiver Kadarius Toney from Florida.

While Toney has had flashes of brilliance, he has struggled with injuries and consistency. After a short stint with the Giants, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he became a two-time Super Bowl champion. Now, he finds himself on the Cleveland Browns, searching for stability in his career.

What Could Have Been

If the Giants had a chance to redo the 2021 NFL Draft, there’s little doubt they would choose differently. Parsons has become one of the most dominant defensive players in the league, a two-time All-Pro, and the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense.

Instead, the Giants now face the reality of watching Parsons wreak havoc on them twice a season—a painful reminder of the mistake they made by not keeping their word.