Micah Parsons quickly demonstrated his value to the Green Bay Packers in his debut, contributing a sack and several pressures during a 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The performance came less than two weeks after he was traded from the Dallas Cowboys, ending a tumultuous offseason marked by contract disputes.
Parsons, who played 29 defensive snaps, recorded his first sack as a Packer by chasing down Lions quarterback Jared Goff in the fourth quarter. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he reached a top speed of 18.47 mph on the play, the fastest of his career on a sack. Additionally, he was second on the team with three pressures, one of which led to an interception by safety Evan Williams.
After the game, Parsons expressed relief at finally being on the field with his new team. “These last six months were super draining, super toxic for everyone,” he said, referring to the stalled contract talks and uncertainty in Dallas. “It’s something that I don’t think no player should have to go through.”
The transition wasn’t entirely smooth, as Parsons admitted to not knowing the Packers’ pregame routines. He initially warmed up on the wrong end of the field and was unaware of the defensive players’ signature handshake, a mock fadeaway basketball jumper. “I definitely was lost. No one told me,” he joked.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur was pleased with Parsons’ impact, noting that he played more snaps than anticipated. “I just feel like his presence out there was different,” quarterback Jordan Love said, highlighting the energy Parsons brought to the team and the crowd.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley utilized Parsons in a package called “Cheetah,” which features three fast pass rushers: Parsons, Rashan Gary, and Lukas Van Ness. This strategy paid off, with Van Ness recording a team-high four pressures, including a half sack.
Teammates embraced Parsons, with safety Xavier McKinney conceding the last introduction spot to him pregame, which drew a loud ovation from the Lambeau Field crowd. Parsons appreciated the gesture but suggested returning to the regular order for future games.
Looking ahead, Parsons believes there is room for improvement and is optimistic about the Packers’ potential. “I’m going to keep getting better,” he said. “We’re going to be a really good football team.” His debut has already raised expectations for Green Bay’s defense this season.