Jermey Parnell

Jermey Parnell (born June 20, 1986) is an American football offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.He was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints. He attended Gosnell High School in Gosnell, Arkansas, then played four years of college basketball and one year of football (as a defensive end) at the University of Mississippi.

Early years
Parnell attended Gosnell High School where he lettered in basketball, helping his team to the state semifinals, while earning all-state honors twice and averaging a double-double during his junior and senior seasons.

He accepted a basketball scholarship to play at the University of Mississippi. In 2009 as a senior, although he hadn’t played football since the eighth grade, Houston Nutt convinced him to try out for the team, which led him to play in five games as a defensive end.

New Orleans Saints (first stint)
Parnell signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 as an undrafted free agent to play defensive end. He was waived at the end of training camp, but spent the rest of the season on their practice squad where he was tried at defensive tackle, tight end and the offensive line. He was released by the Saints before the start of the 2010 season.

Miami Dolphins
Parnell was claimed by the Miami Dolphins to their active roster, where he remained for 20 days until being released on September 25, 2010, to make room for Patrick Brown, who the Dolphins claimed off waivers from the New York Jets.

New Orleans Saints (second stint)
After his release, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints' practice squad.

Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys' signed him to their active roster on October 14, 2010 with the intention of converting him to a full-time offensive tackle.

In 2011 he participated in his first six career games, playing in special teams and as a backup offensive tackle.

On April 26 2012, he was re-signed to a three-year contract. That same season after Tyron Smith suffered a high ankle sprain against the Cleveland Browns, he replaced him as the team starting left tackle and also in the next game against the Washington Redskins. When Smith returned, he was worked into a regular rotation with starting right tackle Doug Free.

Personal life
He is married to Kadeshia Fortune-Parnell. He met his wife in college at Mississippi. She is a teacher and a track and field coach.