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Newly acquired Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons broke his silence on his "super toxic" departure from the Dallas Cowboys after making his debut for his new team on Sunday (September 7).
Parsons, who recorded one tackle, a sack, the Packers' 27-13 win against the NFC North Division rival Detroit Lions, revealed how taxiing the past few months had been amid failed negotiations, a trade request and his eventual trade to Green Bay while addressing reporters after the game.
“These last six months was super draining, super toxic for everyone," Parsons said via Matt Schneidman of the Athletic. "It's something that I don't think no player should have to go through ... The fact that I was traded a week before the season was really outrageous and rough. It's something where I could've been with these guys getting better and better and we could've had probably (an) even more dominant start. “These guys embraced me. They believe in my talents. They believed in me and I'm just gonna give these guys everything I have because I know what's at stake and I know what they gave up for me to be here and I'mma do what it takes for us to win.”
Parsons was sent to the Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks. The All-Pro pass rusher plans to sign a four-year, $188 million deal with $136 million guaranteed, upon arriving in Green Bay, which will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a $47 million annual salary.
Parsons shared a lengthy statement publicly requesting a trade from the Cowboys on his social media accounts amid failed negotiations on August 1.
"Yes I wanted to be here," Parsons wrote at the time. "I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboys and wear the star on my helmet. I wanted to play in front of the best fans in sports and make this Americas team once again. The team my pops and I grew up cheering for way up in Harrisburg, PA. Unfortunately I no longer want to be here. I no longer want to be held to close door negotiations without my agent present. I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization our fans and my teammates. I no longer want narratives created and spread to the media about me. I had purposely stayed quiet in hopes of getting something done."
Parsons' confirmation came hours after the Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Parsons' relationship with the Cowboys had "deteriorated" among ongoing contract negotiations to the point that he's considering a trade request or even "severing his relationship with the team." The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Parsons' rookie contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season.
The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Parsons' rookie contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season. The former Penn State standout is one of the league's best pass rushers, winning the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award and has been selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler during each of his first three NFL seasons.