Everyone is weighing in on the Micah Parsons trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers. That now includes Penn State head coach James Franklin.
Franklin was asked about the blockbuster trade during a Saturday morning appearance on CBS Sports ahead of the Nittany Lions’ season opener against Nevada.
Franklin, who coached Parsons at Penn State from 2018-20, said he’s talked to the former “Linebacker U” star recently. Franklin also said he spoke to Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley after the Packers acquired Parsons.
“I’ve had some good conversations with Micah. We’re still very close,” said Franklin, who recruited Parsons out of Central Dauphin and Harrisburg. “He’s a dynamic player, right? (Dallas) drafted him for a reason. The Packers made the trade for a reason. He’s been one of the most disruptive players since he stepped into the NFL, and we expect that to continue.”
Parsons’ NFL success came as no surprise to Franklin and those who watched him at Penn State. The star edge rusher was a freshman All-American in 2018 and a consensus All-American in 2019. Parsons did not play in the COVID-affected 2020 season.
Penn State football strength and conditioning
Penn State head coach James Franklin talks with linebacker Micah Parsons during a strength and conditioning session on March 4, 2020. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Parsons was selected No. 12 overall by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL draft. He was named an All-Pro selection all four years in Dallas, racking up 52 1/2 sacks in that span.
Parsons, entering the final year of his rookie contract, was looking for an extension that would pay him accordingly. Parsons, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys reached an impasse during contentious negotiations, which led to Parsons formally requesting a trade.
Now, Parsons is a Packer, and for the long-term, too. He inked a four-year contract worth $188 million — making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history on an annual basis.
Franklin, who served as the Packers’ wide receivers coach in 2005, said he’s happy for Parsons’ family and believes they’re “really going to enjoy” Green Bay.
“It’s a lot like Happy Valley, like State College, Pennsylvania. Very much like a college town,” Franklin said. “And I think he’s going to thrive there.”
Why Eagles shouldn’t be celebrating Micah Parsons’ departure from DallasAug. 30, 2025, 6:00a.m.
Pennsylvania high school football scores for Friday, Aug. 29, 2025Aug. 29, 2025, 10:39p.m.
Eagles name new captains ahead of 2025 season openerAug. 29, 2025, 2:14p.m.
Best Eagles futures bets to place now for win totals and Jalen Hurts MVP oddsAug. 29, 2025, 12:00p.m.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.