When it comes to player leverage in the NFL, the dynamics can get complicated, particularly in the case of training camps. Take the Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Micah Parsons, for example; his recent comments about potentially stepping away from the team raise some serious eyebrows. The reality is, if a player decides not to report to training camp, he holds significantly more power than if he shows up and walks away.
Let’s break down what that means. According to the NFL’s Constitution and Bylaws—specifically Section 17.15—players have a unique set of options when it comes to their attendance. If a player leaves the team during training camp or the regular season, they have five days to make their return. If they don’t come back in that time frame, the situation becomes precarious: the team can put the player on its reserve list as a “retired” player, essentially sidelining them for the entire year. This means they wouldn’t be eligible to play again until the next season with any team. It’s a tough pill to swallow and not a desirable route for any player.
In contrast, if a player simply fails to report for camp, they can actually show up as late as the Tuesday after Week 10 without facing the same dire consequences. This distinction is crucial for someone like Parsons, who has a lot at stake; if he were to show up and then leave for more than five days, he risks being shut down until the following year, which could be catastrophic for his career.
Now, would the Cowboys dare to take such drastic measures against Parsons? Frankly, that would be a foolish move for the organization. Still, the financial stakes are monumental for Parsons. His potential earning for 2025 could drop from an impressive $24 million to a flat zero if he navigates this poorly.
Ultimately, if Parsons is even contemplating leaving, it would have been wiser for him not to report in the first place. Yet, if he does decide to step away, he must fully grasp the financial implications that accompany a decision to stay away for longer than those pivotal five days. It’s a high-stakes chess game in the world of the NFL, and Parsons is certainly navigating some complex territory.
