Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons publicly tore into the NFL’s officiating, accusing the league of favoring offensive players and punishing defenders for doing their jobs.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Parsons admitted his comments would “probably get him fined,” but said he couldn’t stay silent any longer about what he called “biased enforcement” across the league.
Why Micah Parsons Says the NFL Is Unfair to Defenders Early This Season?
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Lions 27-13. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Lions 27-13.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The four-time Pro Bowler, traded from the Dallas Cowboys to Green Bay before the season, voiced frustration after multiple questionable calls during the Packers’ early-season games. Parsons believes the rulebook has been tilted toward generating higher-scoring games at the expense of defensive players’ safety and fairness. He said,
“We put so much emphasis on protecting the offense. Protect the defense,” Parsons said. “A guy could be trying to catch the ball and you make a defensive play so he doesn’t catch it and it’s targeting, it’s a flag. But a defensive end could be rushing and engaged with another player and a guy could come blow his ribs out. We’re not considered defenseless. But like we said, it’s an offensive league. I think a lot of the rules are bulls–t.”
Parsons further criticized the inconsistency of officiating between sides of the ball. He argued that referees “won’t call offensive holding or offensive pass interference” while defenders face penalties for minor contact. The star pass rusherpointed out how defenders risk significant fines for plays similar to what offensive players regularly get away with.
“You want to fine guys for putting their head down [and leading with the helmet], but you can be engaged with an offensive tackle and a guard can put his head right into your head,” he said. “But you can’t do that to offensive players. You’ll get a $50,000 fine. I might get a fine for this [press] conference.”
Parsons leads the league in pressures per game but feels defenders aren’t getting fair protection or calls. Packers head coachMatt LaFleur acknowledged Parsons’ frustration, saying he plans to discuss officiating concerns with referees before Sunday’s matchup against Arizona.
“That’s definitely a conversation pregame,” LaFleur said, noting that Parsons “is frustrated by it.”
Fans Rally Behind Parsons’ Bold Comments
After his viral remarks, fans quickly rallied behind Parsons, echoing his frustrations about the league’s offensive bias.
Oneuser wrote,“Let them play defense like they did in the 90’s and 00’s,” whileanother added,“I mean, he ain’t lying.”
Some even pointed out specific plays, with onefan saying,“I think he’s referring to the shot he got from Judkins in Week 3.”
Otherspraised him for his honesty, such as“You’re the goat 🐐 brother, thank you for speaking up!!!!”
Meanwhile, another supporter voiced concern,writing,“I love Micah Parsons the refs deserve to hear much worse. I just hope he isn’t suspended or anything.”
With his comments circulating widely across social media, Parsons appears ready to face the fallout and possible fines for calling out what he considers “one-sided officiating” in today’s NFL.