Denzel Washington criticizes Jerry Jones and the current state of the Dallas Cowboys on ESPN's 'First Take' program
In the world of football, the Dallas Cowboys are currently embroiled in a tense negotiation with their star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, over a contract extension. As of August 21, 2025, Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys have not made progress on a contract extension, and negotiations remain stalled. Parsons is playing under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract for the 2025 season, which pays him about $24 million.
The Cowboys have the option to franchise tag him for the 2026 and 2027 seasons if a long-term deal is not reached. Parsons has been at training camp but mostly on the sidelines, citing back tightness, while talks between his representatives and the Cowboys have been nonexistent since a tentative deal framework was agreed on back in March.
Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones plays a direct role in this process. He has indicated confidence that Parsons will play Week 1 despite the contract impasse and has insisted on keeping Parsons with the team. Former Cowboys legend Troy Aikman also expressed confidence the team will re-sign Parsons before the season starts, noting Jones's tendency to pay top dollar for star players and Parsons’s status as a generational talent.
This situation remains dynamic but currently favors Parsons playing in 2025 under the existing contract with potential long-term negotiations continuing later.
Meanwhile, Hollywood A-lister and long-time Cowboys fan, Denzel Washington, has weighed in on the situation. During an interview promoting their new movie "Highest 2 Lowest," Washington quoted a line from his movie "Highest 2 Lowest" and applied it to Jerry Jones, saying "All money ain't good money." Washington's comments were directed at Jones's focus on personal finances and his perceived impact on the Cowboys' performance.
Washington reiterated his love for the Dallas Cowboys but expressed concern about the team's recent struggles. The Cowboys have not advanced beyond the divisional round since 1995, and they had a disappointing season in 2024, missing the postseason. Washington's criticisms were not limited to the team's performance, as he also mentioned Jerry Jones's role in the contract impasse with Parsons.
However, it's important to note that this is not the first time Jones has faced criticism from high-profile figures. In the past, he has been criticized for his management style and his focus on personal finances over the success of the team. Despite this, Jones has maintained his position as both the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, and he has shown determination to keep Parsons on the team.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the situation with Parsons and the Cowboys remains uncertain. Fans, players, and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Micah Parsons Contract Saga: Latest Updates on Cowboys' Star Pass Rusher. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34354333
[2] NFL.com. (2025). Micah Parsons Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Cowboys' Star Pass Rusher. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/micah-parsons-contract-latest-news-rumors-on-cowboys-star-pass-rusher
[3] Sporting News. (2025). Troy Aikman Confident Cowboys Will Re-Sign Micah Parsons Before Season Starts. [online] Available at: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/troy-aikman-confident-cowboys-will-re-sign-micah-parsons-before-season-starts/16zl6l4k785w119n66l4w1z26
[4] Dallas Morning News. (2025). Jerry Jones: Cowboys Will Find a Way to Work Something Out with Micah Parsons. [online] Available at: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2025/08/10/jerry-jones-cowboys-will-find-a-way-to-work-something-out-with-micah-parsons/
- Amidst the ongoing contract negotiation with Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys are contemplating using the franchise tag for the 2026 and 2027 seasons if no long-term deal is reached.
- Hollywood A-lister and Cowboys enthusiast, Denzel Washington, has expressed concern about the team's struggles, especially the contract impasse with Micah Parsons.
- In the realm of sports entertainment, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has faced scrutiny over his management style, with critics arguing that he prioritizes personal finances over team success.
