Cowboys' Parsons: 'I don't really think the NFL is hard'

Micah Parsons has been an instant star for the Dallas Cowboys in his first season, making the leap from college to the NFL look simple.

Even though the rookie's been tasked with playing both off-ball linebacker and pass-rusher, Parsons believes the learning curve in the pros is overhyped.

"I don't really think the NFL is hard," Parsons told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "I think they got some really great players around here. But I just think it's a bunch of players that work really hard, and I think it rubs off whenever you play guys like La'el (Collins in practice).

"When I'm going against La'el and I'm challenging him every down, saying, 'What could I do there? How can I make this better?' Or I'm going against Zack (Martin), and I'm just getting those opportunities, it really just makes those guys (on other teams) not look as good."

Parsons has all but locked up Defensive Rookie of the Year after racking up 12 sacks, 75 total tackles, and three forced fumbles in 13 games.

The 22-year-old's recent play has been so spectacular that he's also receiving Defensive Player of the Year buzz. He had two sacks in Sunday's win against the Washington Football Team to make it five straight games with at least one sack.

Parsons' positional flexibility has been invaluable to Dallas, especially earlier in the season when defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence were sidelined due to injury.

While some are calling for Parsons to play exclusively on the edge because he's displayed elite pass-rushing traits, the first-round pick just wants to be on the field as much as possible.

"I view myself as one of the most versatile players in the NFL," Parsons said. "I mean, I'm a guy that can do it all, but I want to do it all. I just want every opportunity I can get. I always say you gotta take advantage of the opportunities, and I just feel like any chance I can get to be on the field is just a great opportunity for me to display my talents. I don't really believe in wasting opportunities, so I'm a guy that just wants to be out there.

"And everyone takes it too serious, but I used to play football for free, so I'm just having fun within the game."

Parsons will continue his chase for the rookie sack record, which Jevon Kearse set at 14.5 in 1999. Next up for the Cowboys are the New York Giants in Week 15.