Micah Parsons was introduced as a new Green Bay Packers player on Friday, a day after the Dallas Cowboys shipped him to Wisconsin in a blockbuster trade that involved two first-round picks and Kenny Clark in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler.
Parsons was linked with several teams after he requested a trade from the Cowboys on Aug. 1, before the Packers picked up the phone and landed one of the best pass rushers in the league.
During Super Bowl week back in February, Packers quarterback Jordan Love appeared on Parsons' podcast, where he revealed his desire to team up with the Penn State product in Green Bay.
Now that they are teammates, the 26-year-old linebacker/defensive end was asked about whether Love's past recruiting attempt helped his arrival at the four-time Super Bowl champions.
Parsons admitted he was convinced he would extend his tenure with the Cowboys, meaning he didn't take Love's recruiting that seriously.
"I don't think it was ever a serious conversation because I never thought I'd be traded, but that's the harsh reality," Parsons said, via Pro Football Talk. "Me and Jordan, we're super close, having the same agent. We've got a very good relationship."
After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Cowboys, Parsons grew impatient with the front office's silence regarding a new deal. Owner Jerry Jones' reluctance to negotiate with the pass-rusher's agent was a pivotal moment in the negotiations, which led us to this point.
The Packers are coming off an 11-6 record in 2024 and a wild-card round elimination against the Philadelphia Eagles. They didn't have a player like Parsons, who will elevate their defensive level from the get-go.
This is a win-now move for the NFC North franchise, but it remains to be seen if they are able to win it all with a young team. The future looks bright for head coach Matt LaFleur and Co., more so after adding one of the best pass-rushers in the league in the middle of his prime.
Parsons made it clear he only has one goal in mind: winning.
"Winning means everything to me," Parsons said. "I don't think you're going to find a more competitive person on the team or in the NFL."
The Packers will kick off the season against divisional rivals Detroit Lions. Parsons' status is unknown at this point, but he's working with the team's doctors to be ready for the season opener.
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