Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Cites Examples of Michael Jordan, Lebron James on How He Combats Criticism

The Dallas Cowboys defense was bashed left and right last season for their poor performances. Giving up 473 points, the Cowboys defense ranked 28th in the league for total points conceded.

And it was in particular their run defense which came under the scanner. Allowing 158.8 rushing yards a game, the Cowboys fared second worst in the league when it came to defending against the opposition’s run attack.

With linebackers having to take the fall for this one, Jaylon Smith was in the firing line of fans and critics alike. But among the Cowboys defense, Smith was actually a shining light.

Averaging way better than his teammates’ output the linebacker was unfortunately at the end of unwarranted criticism. But does that mean that he’s going to be weighed down by it? Not at all.

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With 154 total tackles, Jaylon Smith was head and shoulders above the rest of teammates when it came to putting in the work. Yet still many pointed fingers at Smith for the side’s dismal defensive showing.

The linebacker though is taking things positively. Unwarranted criticism is part and parcel of any professional sport. Smith knows that even NBA greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James have had to face the wrath of naysayers.

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“I mean, I don’t care who you are, you’re going to have criticism,” Smith said while talking to USA Today. “Michael Jordan had criticism. LeBron James. Some of the best player in the world have criticism. That’s just a part of the game,” he added.

Focusing on his game and hoping for a better overall showing from the Cowboys defense in 2021, the linebacker said he remains focused on the things that he can control.

“You got to control what you can control. And for me, it’s just focused on my development and becoming a better player.”

The Cowboys have given their linebacker core a boost by drafting Penn State star Micah Parsons with their first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. And Smith will surely hope that alongside Parsons the Cowboys will have a much better showing when it comes to stopping the run.