Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ edge rusher, was a highly sought-after recruit, and Alabama football was one of the programs he considered. During a Friday episode of his podcast, The Edge, Parsons was joined by Alabama legend and current Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Henry asked Parsons what made him choose Penn State over Alabama.
Parsons shared, “I’m going to tell you the truth, I was only at Bama for four days. I went there to see what the South was like since I’m from the North. It was insanely hot, and the workout conditions were so tough that I thought there was no way I could handle it. After seeing the workouts, I just knew I wasn’t cut out for it.”
Parsons continued, telling Henry how the intensity of Alabama’s workouts left a strong impression on him during his visit.
“I was like, ‘Wow, they really put in work here,’” Parsons said. “I appreciated the effort and thought it could help me improve, but by the end of the weekend, I was thinking, ‘I don’t think I can make it.’ That Friday’s workout was brutal with how hot it was. I was sweating just riding in golf carts. It was too much, so I decided it wasn’t for me. Bama isn’t for everyone.”
He also explained why he felt Penn State would be a better fit for him.
“I believe you should enjoy your college experience,” Parsons said. “When I went to Bama, it felt like it was all about surviving and struggling. But when I went to Penn State, it’s called Happy Valley for a reason. It felt happy, and there was ice cream, and I knew that’s where I belonged. It just felt right for me.”
Parsons went on to have a standout career at Penn State, establishing himself as one of the top defensive prospects in college football before entering the NFL.
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