Cowboys' Parsons apologizes for McCarthy comments: 'I was angry'

Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons said he regrets his recent postgame comments seemingly taking a shot at head coach Mike McCarthy.

"I could have done better. I was angry, and I just didn't finish, and I wasn't as thoughtful as I usually am," Parsons said Thursday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "I didn't think people would take that context the way it was. That's on me. I lost (the game), I didn't want to finish, and I wanted to hurry up out of the locker room. Next time, I will be very careful about what I say. So that's my apologies."

Parsons was asked about McCarthy's job status following a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 10 and said he wasn't concerned about the head coach's future.

"All coaching aside, Mike can leave and go where he wants to," Parsons said then. "Guys I kind of feel bad for is guys like (guard) Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year, on their way out, because that's who I wanted to hold the trophy for. You want to win games and do great things with those type of legends who put in more time and work than Mike McCarthy ever did. So those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for."

Parsons clarified the viral comments Thursday.

"When I'm talking about 'here,' I'm thinking the Dallas Cowboys," Parsons said. "I was in middle school, elementary school when Mike McCarthy was with the (Green Bay) Packers, and I have no reference to that. So, when I'm talking about here Dallas Cowboys and what was accomplished the most, I'm thinking about the guys, and I've only ever been here. So obviously no disrespect to (McCarthy's) career and what he's made for himself as one of the most winningest coaches."

Parsons added: "The most important thing is obviously how much love I have for coach McCarthy. You never want to throw shade or anything on your coach. But I think like anything, him understanding I'm always going to be a players' guy first. I'm always going to think about the guys around me before anyone. That's who I go to war with."

McCarthy's outfit most recently lost to the Houston Texans on Nov. 18, marking the 3-7 Cowboys' fifth straight defeat and leaving McCarthy on the hot seat.

The 61-year-old, who previously won a Super Bowl with the Packers, is in the last year of his contract with Dallas. He's posted a 45-31 record with the team but is only 1-3 in the playoffs.

The Cowboys have been missing key players due to injuries this year, including quarterback Dak Prescott, who's out for the remainder of the campaign after injuring his hamstring.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently defended McCarthy by saying the sideline boss hasn't lost the locker room.

Dallas visits the Washington Commanders on Sunday.