National Football League: Micah Parsons Is Kicking Into High Gear
Updated Oct. 23, 2025, 11:35 p.m. ET
GREEN BAY, Wis. — As Evan Williams stood in front of his locker, I could see his mind at work. The second-year safety gazed into the distance and pursed his lips, searching for the right words to explain why Micah Parsons’ integration into the Packers has been so smooth. It’s not just about his prowess as a superstar pass rusher, but also his leadership. For Williams, true leadership is more about actions and habits than vocal commands. And Parsons “stuck out like a sore thumb” in this regard during his first practice with the Packers shortly after being traded from the Cowboys in late August.
“For players of that caliber, it’s uncommon to see them sprinting 30 yards downfield for the ball—especially for a pass rusher of his build—and doing it consistently,” Williams shared with me. “During a few of the initial team periods, he makes a pass-rush move, might get a sack or not, and he’s sprinting to the ball downfield. That, to me, matters. It earns a lot of respect based on how he works.” Williams added, “I believe it has gained a lot of the team’s respect, especially seeing the film and how he approaches every day with the same mindset of improving little by little. For someone who is obviously very talented, to maintain that focus on the process is pretty special.”
Micah Parsons celebrates after Green Bay’s 27-23 road victory against the Cardinals in Week 7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Parsons’ performance this season has indeed been remarkable. He’s been everything the Packers (4-1-1) hoped for, posting 5.5 sacks (tied for sixth) and 13 quarterback hits through six games. He leads the NFL with 41 pressures, including a league-high 17 in the fourth quarter, as reported by Next Gen Stats. Parsons stands out as the only NFL player with both a pressure rate above 20% and a double team rate above 20%, highlighting just how challenging he is to block.
Last week against the Cardinals, Parsons had his best game as a Packer, achieving a career-high of three sacks—two in the fourth quarter—and earning NFC Player of the Week honors. He notched 10 pressures in 32 pass rush attempts during that game, according to NGS.
Now that Parsons is settling into his new team, he’s eager to elevate his game vipph apk. He aims to keep up his dominance this Sunday night against the Steelers (4-2), where Aaron Rodgers plays against the Packers for the first time. “For this trade to work out, we gotta win games. We gotta go for a shot at the [Super Bowl],” Parsons said. okebet.168 “That’s a question I’m about to answer later at the end of the year. If we don’t achieve anything, then it feels like I didn’t do enough. So I need to do my best to bring the guys along with me.” He added, “Potential is a motherf—er. I believe everyone has potential in life… But those who capitalize on it are few. We have to make the most of our potential and keep getting better.”
‘There’s Nobody Better Than Him in the League’
When I mentioned to Rashan Gary that it’s already been two months since Parsons joined the team, he simply shook his head. “Damn, time flies!” the edge rusher exclaimed from his locker. bavarian motor works The play on the field speaks for itself, but Gary emphasizes that Parsons is “down to earth.” He’s welcoming and possesses a humorous, goofy side. In meeting rooms with the younger defensive linemen, he balances light-hearted jokes with the acknowledgment that improvement is needed.
During his first week in Green Bay, Parsons invited his family to town to cook for the defensive line. “For someone who doesn’t know Micah,” Gary explained, “people might assume his status means he’s cocky. But nah, man.” Recently, the Packers’ D-line held a watch party for the Monday Night Football doubleheader, and Parsons took the time to invite Williams and other teammates. “It would be easy for someone like him to have a big head or ego, but he’s just one of the guys. Anyone can approach him… He came in and made friends with everyone.” Williams added, “It’s the little gestures that are special. He doesn’t hold grudges or act superior.”
Parsons has blended in perfectly with the Packers, allowing Rashan Gary (No. 52) to see fewer double teams. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
On the field, Parsons continues to lead by example as the Packers’ top defensive player. During practices against Green Bay’s offense, it’s common to hear him motivating teammates: “Alright, everybody do your job! Do your 1/11th and we’ll be fine! We have some of the best players in the league in this huddle right now!” Williams reflected, “Simple words of encouragement like that enhance his presence and boost our confidence in him and our team. They instill the swagger we need to perform at our best. Nobody can mess with us when we play our best ball.”
This is evident in the stats. While Green Bay has struggled against significant pass plays in recent weeks, and their takeaways have decreased compared to last year, they’ve managed to keep opponents’ points down. They’ve allowed 23 or fewer points in five of their six games this season, ranking 10th in scoring defense (20.8 points allowed per game) and sixth in total defense (288.5 yards allowed per game).
In the fourth quarter, the Packers’ defense has shone super ace free demo. They’re third in pressures (39) and sixth in rushing yards allowed (21.0) during this period. Gary has faced a double team on just 4.1% of his pass rushes— the lowest in his career—largely thanks to Parsons’ presence. Together, they’ve combined for 62 pressures and 11 sacks, ranking third and fourth among edge duos, respectively. “It’s an undeniable swagger,” Gary said regarding the impact of Parsons on the field. “It’s palpable, something you see and feel. Just knowing that ‘I’m unblockable’ energizes both of us. Every play has the potential to be a game-changer.”
Packers right tackle Zach Tom has observed the defense’s confidence growing since Parsons joined. “He’s becoming more and more comfortable as a leader, which is great to witness,” Tom noted lbc tracking in philippines. “Ultimately, he is the catalyst of the defense. When he makes plays, the entire defense responds.” He added, “There’s nobody better than him in the league.”
As I wrapped up my chat with Gary, I asked him about Parsons’ greatest strength. The Pro Bowler didn’t hesitate. “Causing havoc. Just watch the tape,” he answered. “Wherever he is, just keep your eyes on him… He might not always show up on the stat sheet, but he gives offenses hell, and offensive coordinators are definitely worrying about him.”
And Parsons is focused on leading the Packers toward a deep playoff run. What do you think about Micah Parsons’ impact on the Packers this season?
