TheGreen Bay Packers’ successful trade for linebacker Micah Parsonssent shockwaves across the football realm —and beyond it. It is a trade that undoubtedly raises the floor and ceiling of Green Bay and improves the team’s chances not just to surpass what they accomplished in 2024, but to win the Super Bowl.
Parsons is a dynamic defensive weapon that likely hasn’t even reached his peak form yet in the NFL, and one person who saw the tremendous potential of Parsons before he could even make it to the pros was none other than Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.
Penn State’s Franklin speaks up about Green Bay Packers’ Parsons trade
James Franklin, Penn State Football
Penn State head coach James Franklin argues a penalty call at the end of an NCAA football game against Nevada, Saturday, August 30, 2025, in State College, Pa.
During a recent interview on CBS Sports, Franklin was asked about his thoughts on the Parsons trade, saying that he is still in regular contact with his former player. He also shared that he talked to Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley following the trade.
“Good conversations with Micah,” Franklin said. “We’re still very close. We text or talk often. I actually talked to the defensive coordinator at the Packers the other day. We had a conversation after everything went down. But he’s a dynamic player, right?
"He's a dynamic player, the Packers made the trade for a reason."
Penn State coach James Franklin just revealed he's spoken to Micah Parsons after the trade
AND
He's already spoken to the Packers defensive coordinator about the addition 👀 pic.twitter.com/8iVQ2ul9PF
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) August 30, 2025
“You know, they drafted him for a reason, and now, obviously, the Packers made to trade for a reason,” Franklin continued.
He’s been one of the most disruptive players since he stepped into the NFL, and we expect that to continue. One of the best competitors I’ve ever been around. I’m just happy for his family, and you know, I’m an old Green Bay guy, I spent time with the Packers as the receivers coach. So I think he’s really gonna enjoy it. It’s a lot like Happy Valley State College, Pennsylvania, very much a college-type town, and I think he’s gonna thrive there.”
In two seasons with Penn State football, Parsons recorded 6.5 sacks in 26 games from 2018 to 2019.
Green Bay Packers, Micah Parsons, Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons speaks during an introductory press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 to acquire Parsons in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round picks.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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