Micah Parsons didn’t just make waves on the field in his first season with the Packers - he’s still making headlines off it. After a blockbuster trade from the Cowboys to Green Bay in August, the All-Pro edge rusher delivered a strong debut campaign in his new uniform. But despite the fresh start and a massive new contract, Parsons is already talking about a bold new frontier for the NFL - one that could take the game international.
In a recent interview, Parsons floated the idea of an NFL team based overseas, saying he’d be all-in if the league ever expanded internationally. “Like the Notre Dame of the NFL,” he said, referring to the college football powerhouse’s national brand. “I’d be the first one on board to go over.”
That comment raised some eyebrows - especially from NFL analyst Zack Pearson, who chimed in on social media with a sharp response: “Wow, one season in Green Bay and he already wants to leave.”
It’s worth noting that Parsons isn’t exactly looking for a way out. He’s locked into a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers - a contract that made him one of the highest-paid defensive players in league history. And before a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Broncos cut his season short, Parsons had emerged as a tone-setter on Green Bay’s defense, both on the stat sheet and in the locker room.
The Packers certainly felt his absence down the stretch. Parsons missed the final three regular-season games, but Green Bay still managed to punch a playoff ticket. Their run ended in the wild-card round, though, with a 31-27 loss to division rival Chicago.
Back in Dallas, there’s still plenty of respect for what Parsons brought to the table - even if the Cowboys ultimately decided to move on. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb spoke candidly about the trade, acknowledging the emotional impact of losing a teammate while also recognizing the business side of the game.
“I was pretty upset when Micah left,” Lamb said. “I’m not afraid to say it again, but I think it was beneficial for both parties. Micah got the money he deserved.”
And from the Cowboys’ perspective, the return wasn’t too shabby either. The deal brought in defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark - two proven run-stoppers who helped patch a glaring hole in Dallas’ front seven.
“At the end of the day, we ended up with Quinnen and Kenny when we couldn’t stop the run, so that was pretty good,” Lamb added. “But Micah is my man, he knows that.
That’s my brother - and brotherly love is never lost.”
While the Cowboys finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs, Parsons’ presence in Green Bay helped the Packers stay competitive in a tight NFC race. His future remains in Wisconsin for now, but his comments about international expansion suggest he’s thinking big - not just about his own career, but about where the NFL could go next.
Whether or not the league ever plants a flag overseas, Parsons is clearly ready for the challenge. And if his play in Green Bay is any indication, wherever he lines up next - stateside or abroad - he’s going to make an impact.