Cowboys star Micah Parsons pancaked by middle schooler at free youth camp

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons was back at his old stomping grounds in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania this weekend for his 2nd Annual Micah Parsons Lions Den Football Camp and Carnival. The former Penn State star worked hands-on with youth players of all ages and gave out free food to all attendees. He also got a little something in return – a pancake from a middle school lineman.

Lining up at center against the defensive lineman, Parsons struggles to hold his ground as the boy takes him to the ground. The play was reminiscent of Ezekiel Elliott‘s last snap in his first stint with the Cowboys.

The Cowboys star spoke to reporters at the camp, explaining how critical he believes it is for the children to see what hard work can lead to.

“Being able to give back to the community, at the end of the day, that’s all it’s about,” Parsons said, via Fox43. “This community, this upbringing, building me and lifting me up and it’s just my chance to give back.”

“I’m never going to charge anyone at this camp,” he added. “That’s the point of bringing this community together. That’s the point of having the carnival and giving out free meals. Just being around the community is what it’s all about. I don’t think there’s anything more important than getting these kids on the right path and giving them a signal of hope, really to believe in them, someone who’s like, ‘Man, someone from my city did it. I know I can do it, too.'”

Parsons doesn’t see these charitable outings as one-sided. He’s hosted several this summer, including one with CJ Stroud in China, and he’s finding immense value in giving back to the youth.

“I have a terrific time,” Parsons said. “I think the highlight of my weeks is when I’m at these camps. I’ve been having camps all over the summer and I think those have been my biggest blessings. You don’t really know how much impact you have on the kids because you don’t have a lot of day-to-day with these kids. To see how they interact with me and the passion and love they have for me, that really opens up my eyes and my heart a lot.”

Cowboys head to Oxnard in one week

The Cowboys‘ schedule for training camp in Oxnard, California is out, revealing 14 open practice dates, including one Hero’s Appreciation Day. The date for the Cowboys’ scrimmage against the L.A. Rams is also set for Aug. 8.

Dallas’s players had six weeks off between minicamp and training camp, giving them plenty of time to rest up before embarking on what will be the longest camp in recent memory. The Cowboys will depart from Dallas for Oxnard on July 22-23 and camp will not wrap up until August 22.

The day for both veterans and rookies to report to camp is July 24. Undoubtedly, the team will be anxiously waiting to see whether No. 1 wide receiver CeeDee Lamb opts to join them or hold out for his blockbuster contract extension. Last year, right guard Zack Martin staged a holdout until the team restructured his contract.