Micah Parsons Makes Surprise Lobby To Become the Cowboys’ Kick Returner After NFL Rule Change

A lot of change has happened this offseason, not just in trades and free agency, but when it comes to the NFL rulebook as well.

One of the most notable NFL rule changes for 2024 has been the adjustment to kickoffs, which has players excited about the new wrinkle to the game. Micah Parsons, in particular, is intrigued by the NFL kickoff rule change, to the point that he wants to be the Dallas Cowboys‘ return man this season.

Micah Parsons Wants To Be the Cowboys’ Kick Returner

On the latest episode of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel spoke about Parsons’ surprising interest in returning kicks this season.

“Micah has asked…”

Since two returners will be standard with the new kickoff rule could @MicahhParsons11 get a chance from Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel? pic.twitter.com/8OASbjSOuw

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 8, 2024

“So he [Micah Parsons] has lobbied me in the past to just be the primary kick returner,” said Fassel. “I’m like Micah, that’s a question you’ve got to go a little further up than me on that one.”

“Would I love to see him back there? Absolutely,” said Fassel. “Because he would be fantastic. You catch it, and he’d run wild and probably get incredible yards. But that ain’t gonna happen, I’m aware of that.”

What Is the NFL’s New Kickoff Rule?

The NFL owners voted 29-3 in favor of a new hybrid kickoff rule that will be in place for a one-year trial run this season before deciding on making it a permanent change moving forward.

The objective of this new rule is to increase both returns on kickoffs and player safety on one of football’s most dangerous plays.

Here is everything you need to know:

• The kicker will kick off from the 35-yard line.
• The other 10 members of the kickoff team will line up at the returning team’s 40-yard line.
• At least nine members of the receiving team will line up five yards away at the 35-yard line.
• Up to two returners will line up in the “landing zone” (between the 20-yard line and the goal line).
• Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or the returner within the landing zone.
• The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line if it lands in the end zone.
• If the ball lands inside the 20-yard line and rolls into the end zone, it will be placed at the 20-yard line.
• No fair catches are allowed.

Would Parsons Succeed as a Kick Returner?

As Fassel and Tucker acknowledge, teams will have two return men now under the new kickoff rules, opening another spot alongside KaVontae Turpin for the Cowboys.

As a 6’3″, 245 pound EDGE, Parsons would be an unorthodox returner. Most returners in the NFL either play wide receiver, running back, or defensive back. Parsons, however, is unlike most players at his position because of his incredible athleticism, especially for his size.

Ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons performed at his pro day, running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, which would place him among some of the best returners in the NFL. He also had a 4.4 and 6.96-second 20-yard shuttle and three-cone drill, respectively.

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Additionally, Parsons once upon a time played running back in high school. As a senior at Harrisburg High School, he totaled 1,239 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground and 99 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

.@MicahhParsons11 really scored a touchdown every 4 carries as a high school rusher 🤯#AFootballLife: Origins – Micah Parsons is streaming now on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/8IN4UfW5ox

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 1, 2023

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