Micah Parsons had some parting words for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans a day after the blockbuster trade that sent him to Green Bay.
“The moment I got drafted, I had a second home, and they welcomed me. They opened their hearts out to me. They poured into me. That fan base is one of one, so thank you to the fan base,” Parsons said of the Cowboys and Dallas in his first official press conference as a Green Bay Packer. “Thank you to all the players that I played with. I’m gonna miss my dog (Trevon Diggs). That’s like a brother to me. There’s a lot of people that I got close relationships with over there, and I’m gonna miss them regardless.”
Parsons conceded in a social media post Thursday that he never wanted his Cowboys “chapter to end.’ He expressed similar sentiments Friday during his introductory press conference, but told reporters he’s happy to be a member of the Packers.
“I wish, you know, things didn’t have to be like this. But I’m happy for this opportunity. I’m happy to be here, and I’m ready to win some games,” Parsons said.
Parsons has 188 million reasons to be happy in Green Bay. The Packers signed the two-time first-team All-Pro to a four-year, $188 million deal, including $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
Parsons acknowledged there are expectations that come with being the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
“I’m not even going lie, there is a lot of expectations. I’ll be a fool to not think that there isn’t expectations, or there isn’t pressure in the position that I’m stepping into,” Parsons explained. “But then again, that’s a blessing in itself. That means that they believe in me. They believe I’m that much of a future in this organization. And they showed that in every which way. So that just alone just shows me the type of person I need to be in this building every day. I’m very determined.”
Parsons told reporters he saw a picture of Packers legend and Hall of Famer Reggie White while at the team’s facility. Coincidentally, Parsons and White are the only two players in NFL history to compile 12 or more sacks in their first four NFL seasons. Parsons said he’s motivated to be mentioned amongst Packers legends such as White who starred for the Packers for six seasons.
Micah Parsons trade signals dreaded rebuild for Dallas Cowboys
“Reggie is like one of the goats,” Parsons said.” I just looked at him like somebody who won here. He can do that. I think I can do that too. I think I can do anything I put my mind to. I looked on that wall and I saw Brett Favre, I saw Reggie, I saw all those legends and I was like, ‘I got to be there.’”
Green Bay’s defense can sure use an impact edge rusher like the late-great White.
The Packers generated a 29.6% pressure rate when rushing four-or-less, which ranked 21st in the NFL in 2024, according to Next Gen Stats. Parsons has led the NFL in pressures (335) and pressure rate (21.1%) since entering the league in 2021. He’s registered 52.5 sacks in his first four seasons.
The new Packers star will sport No. 1 in Green Bay. According to various reports, no player has worn that number since the legendary Curly Lambeau almost 100 years ago. Lambeau was one of the founders of the franchise, was named to the 1920s All-Decade team as a player, and also coached the Packers. Lambeau last wore the number in 1926.