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Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons makes return to El Paso for youth football camp
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- Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons makes return to El Paso for youth football camp
One year ago, Dallas Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons made his first trip to El Paso and the city made as much of an impression on Parsons as he did on it.
After dominating Aaron and Alvin Jones' softball game, Parsons, who seemed touched by the reception he received at Southwest University Park, vowed to return. He made good on that statement Monday, June 17, when he hosted a clinic for 600 aspiring young football players at El Paso High School.
Micah Parsons works with campgoers at his football camp Monday at El Paso High
"I was here for Aaron Jones' softball game and the community was just so crazy," said Parsons, who will also be back in El Paso for the June 27 softball event . "I said I would come back to El Paso. This is one of my favorite places, and I'm happy to be back."
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His appearance sent a jolt through the campers, who queued up to get their picture taken with him before moving on to drills. While the football drills were the centerpiece of the camp, Parsons said he wanted the campers to learn about more than football — he wanted them to learn about life.
"Character is everything; it defines who you are," Parsons said. "We're defined by character, not what you look like. I want to teach them to compete and enjoy the game of football. I love the game of football, that's what's all about."
That message resonated with the camp attendees.
"I look up to him; I play the same position," said 15-year-old Matthew Stevens, a sophomore-to-be at Franklin. "It means a lot to learn from him. I hope to learn to love football a little more."
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts in front of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kaysen Jaquez had another message he hoped to replay to Parsons.
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"It means a lot, thanks for my Dad and Mom for paying for me," the 8-year-old said. "I'm looking forward to telling Micah Parsons my uncle can beat him in arm wrestling."
Benjamin Dominguez was happy to put a face to someone who had been a video game character for him.
"Micah Parsons is No. 1 on my top list in football," the 9-year-old said. "Every time I play Madden, I want to play him."
He got to see him in person Monday.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Micah Parsons makes return to El Paso for youth football camp
