Despite the team’s best efforts, heir apparent Micah Parsons, the town’s new superstar linebacker, is officially headed to Green Bay. This decision follows a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old activist and athlete has proven to be a force in the NFL with his dynamic performance on the field. Yet, he just signed a stunning four-year $188 million contract. Both amassed a total of $120 million fully guaranteed at signing, allowing Parsons to become the non-quarterback in NFL history.
Parsons’ career has been one long stretch of unflappable greatness. For his first four seasons, he remained a dominant force, racking up at least 12 sacks a season. His 52.5 sacks are good for fifth all-time in NFL history for players in their first four seasons. His dominant performance on the gridiron earned him a place in the Pro Bowl for all three of those seasons. This accomplishment earned him a reputation as one of the league’s best defenders.
Until a few weeks ago, it was unclear whether Parsons’ long-term future would even be in question because of concerns about his health. He felt tightness in his lower back throughout training camp and had to get at least two MRIs to determine ambiguity of the injury. The most recent MRI, on August 22, came back clean, allowing him to return to practice. On August 26, Brian Schottenheimer, the Packers’ offensive coordinator, declared Parsons medically cleared. So, he was excited to hear that the team staff had cleared him to play.
Through all of these setbacks, Parsons didn’t lose sight of his vision. He showed up for the mandatory minicamp in June and reported to training camp. He decided on a hold-in strategy of negotiating his contract and still remaining present with the team.
Parsons’ transition to this new role undoubtedly struck him as bittersweet, and he posted a heartfelt message to the Wolfpack community on social media. I didn’t want this chapter to end, but some things were just out of my hands. Though my body may be on the West Coast now, my heart has always been here—and still is. And through everything, I never issued an ultimatum and that was the big difference. I never expected anything else than the treatment of fairness, he stated.
Parsons’ step up to the Packers represents a fresh start for him, but a different trajectory for the franchise. After a few weeks of suggesting they were open to deals for Parsons, the Cowboys blazed a trail toward this historic megadeal. He’s hell bent on becoming a positive legacy in the NFL. He’d like to see his name up in lights right next to Hall of Famers like Bob Lilly, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. These legends are known not only for how well they played, but for the lasting influences each made on the franchise.
As he delves into this new chapter with the Packers, Parsons took the time to be thankful for his former team. On social media he posted, “Thank you Dallas ….. GO Pack Go!” Fish still looks back fondly on his time in Dallas. At the other end of the spectrum, he fully welcomes the exciting prospect of suiting up for Green Bay.
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