Micah Parsons’ ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses – and make quarterbacks miserable – is why he is the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Parsons, a Harrisburg High School grad and a Penn State great, is a Green Bay Packer after the Dallas Cowboys traded him Thursday for a pair of first-round picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Clearly, Parsons and Dallas owner Jerry Jones could not get on the same page when it came to the star’s second contract.
Green Bay swooped in and rewarded Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler, with a $188 million contract. The contract includes $136 million in total guarantees.
It is edge rusher money.
But Dallas drafted him as a linebacker, at No. 12 overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
It was the position Parsons played at Linebacker U.
Parsons’ play and contract is further proof Penn State is deserving of the nickname.
Penn State pep rally
Penn State radio announcers Steve Jones and Jack Ham speak at the Fiesta Bowl pep rally held at Scottsdale Stadium on Dec. 30, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comJoe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
In the last 60 years, 15 PSU linebackers have been named first-team All-American, 16 depending on how you view Abdul Carter, a 2024 first-team All-American at defensive end who spent his first two collegiate seasons at linebacker.
The list: Dennis Onkotz (1968-69), Jack Ham (1970), Charlie Zapiec (1971), John Skorupan (1972), Ed O’Neil (1973), Greg Buttle (1975), Kurt Allerman (1976), Shane Conlan (1985-86), Andre Collins (1989), LaVar Arrington (1998-99), Brandon Short (1999), Paul Posluszny (2005-06), Dan Connor (2006-07), Michael Mauti (2012) and Parsons (2019).
More awards for Penn State linebackers?
Arrington, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, won the Butkus Award and the Bednarik Award in 1999.
Penn State vs UCLA , Oct. 5, 2024
Penn State letterman Paul Posluszny is honored infield for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on Oct. 5, 2024. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.comPennLive
Posluszny is a two-time winner of the Bednarik, and he won the Butkus in 2005.
Connor, currently Penn State’s linebackers coach, is the program’s all-time leading tackler with 419. He won the Bednarik in 2007.
Mauti, part of Bill O’Brien’s memorable 2012 team, was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year that season.
Parsons was another Big Ten Linebacker of the Year winner in 2019, his second and final season at Penn State.
The question now: Who will be the next great one at Linebacker U?
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