FRISCO, Texas – No one has to remind new head coach Brian Schottenheimer that this week's OTA practices are voluntary.
Not only does he know that, but he embraces it, understanding the players can attend these activities on their own.
Yet, he does see the importance of having his team leaders in attendance for some of the events, and that includes Micah Parsons. That's why Schotty reached out to Parsons a few weeks ago to encourage him to at least be in the building as he tries to establish a new culture in his first year as head coach.
"The first couple of days, we're doing some team-building things, some (for) culture. We're trying to create one of the greatest cultures in professional sports. Micah is going to be a leader for us. He wants to be a leader for us. He's going to do that. I felt like it was very important for him to be here to begin that process. Again, it's a voluntary camp but the fact that he did that, means a lot to me."
Parsons has been participating in some of the activities of the week, which actually began on Monday.
But the media was allowed out for Tuesday's practice and quickly noticed an absence of No. 11. Parsons is still seeking a new contract extension and although he has been in the building at The Star and has met with his a lot of his new coaches.
"He showed up a little bit the last couple of days," Schottenheimer said of Parsons. "He's been in and out some. I had lunch with him (Monday). When he's here he's been great. It's all voluntary. Some guys come to meetings, some guys come to practice. Some guys are just here getting treatment. It's not just specific to Micah, but all the guys."
The Cowboys do have a mandatory minicamp schedule for June 10-12 and Parsons is expected to be on the field, with the rest of his 90 teammates who are healthy enough to practice.
A year ago, Parsons wasn't a full participant in the OTAs. While he was also eligible for a new contract, the Cowboys had a little more urgency to re-sign Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who were entering the final years of their contracts. Both deals got done before the start of the season, shifting the focus now to Parsons, who headlines a list of players who are now getting ready for a contract year.
The Cowboys have repeatedly stated their desires to get a deal done with Parsons. Just last week, chief operating officer Stephen Jones reiterated their goals to lock up Parsons to a new deal.
"We want Micah here," Jones said last week. "He knows we want him here, I think ultimately we'll get something done."
