Micah Parsons, the formidable linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrated his strength by performing 19 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press at his Pro Day.
Understanding Micah Parsons' Bench Press Performance
The bench press is a standard strength assessment at NFL Pro Days and Combines, where athletes typically perform as many repetitions as possible with a weight of 225 pounds. Parsons' 19 reps indicate a solid level of upper body strength for his position. When compared to other outside linebackers who participated in similar evaluations, his performance placed him in the 26th percentile. This means he performed better than 26% of his peers in this specific drill, showcasing a foundational level of strength.
While the bench press is one measure of an athlete's physical prowess, it's just one component of a comprehensive evaluation. Parsons is widely recognized for his exceptional athleticism, speed, and versatility, which are reflected in other measurable drills.
Key Athletic Measurables for Micah Parsons
Beyond the bench press, Micah Parsons showcased a range of impressive athletic abilities during his evaluation. These measurements provide a more complete picture of his physical attributes as an elite NFL talent, especially when compared to other outside linebackers:
| Measurable | Measurement | Percentile (vs. Outside Linebackers) |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Jump | 126 inches | 90 |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.96 seconds | 73 |
| 20 Yard Shuttle | 4.4 seconds | 23 |
| Bench Press | 19 reps | 26 |
His outstanding broad jump, in particular, highlights his explosive lower-body power—an attribute crucial for his role as a pass rusher and run stopper. The 3-cone drill time also indicates good agility and change-of-direction ability, which are vital for a linebacker in coverage and pursuing ball carriers.
