GREEN BAY, Wis. — Micah Parsons made his presence known in his first game as a Green Bay Packer.
The star edge rusher, acquired from Dallas in a trade 10 days ago, battled through a lingering back issue and recorded his first sack in the Packers’ dominant defensive effort as part of a 27-13 season-opening victory Sunday over the visiting Detroit Lions.
With just over four minutes remaining and the Packers up 24-6, Lions quarterback Jared Goff rolled right on second-and-10 from the Detroit 35, but he was engulfed from behind by Parsons for a 4-yard loss.
“I thought he was pretty impactful in the limited snaps that he played,” Packers coach Matt LaFleuer said.
After a contract stalemate with the Cowboys, Parsons was acquired for two first-round draft picks (2026, 2027) and former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
The Packers made Parsons — a two-time first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl honoree all four of his seasons in Dallas — the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a four-year, $188 million contract, including $136 million guaranteed.
Parsons was limited in practice last week and listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
Parsons, who said he did not need an injection before the game, played roughly half the snap counts with a short turnaround before Thursday night’s home game against Washington.
“Physically, obviously draining,” Parsons said afterward. “So, obviously, I’ve got to recover, do everything I need to do to get ready for Thursday. Emotionally, I couldn’t be more happy, to get my first win at Lambeau.”
The Lions, who averaged an NFL-best 33.2 points per game last season en route to the NFC North title, were held to 246 yards, including 46 on the ground. Their only touchdown came in the closing minute on a play overturned on review to a completed pass.
Parsons, 26, said he was relieved to have the contract situation behind him.
“The last six months were super draining, super toxic for everyone,” he said. “It was something that, obviously, no player should have to go through. I think players’ fates should be decided earlier. The fact that I was traded a week before the season was really outrageous and rough.
“I’m just happy that’s behind,” he added. “(The Packers) embraced me, they believe in my talents,” he said. “They believe in me and I’m just going to give back everything I have, because I know what’s at stake. I know what they gave up for me to be here.”
–Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media
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