Micah Parsons Makes NFL History in Packers’ Thanksgiving Win

The Green Bay Packers made an aggressive move by trading Kenny Clark and two first-round picks for Micah Parsons prior to the season.

The gamble has paid off as Parsons has been a game-changer for the Packers' defense. The 26-year-old has 38 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss.

He was dominant in the win over the Lions, finishing with 2.5 sacks, six pressures, and a 29.6 percent pass rush win rate.

As he passed 12 sacks on the season, Parsons became the first player in NFL history with 12 or more sacks in each of his first five seasons. This shows that he has consistently been an elite defensive player since entering the league.

He is one of the best players in the NFL and is a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, Parsons will likely finish second for the award as Myles Garrett is having an unreal season for the Cleveland Browns.

Garrett has 44 total tackles, 18 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss. The 29-year-old has a chance to break the sack record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt at 22.5 sacks.

Regardless of whether Parsons is able to win the Defensive Player of the Year award or not, he is still playing at a high level.

His impact goes beyond the numbers, as opposing offenses will double-team or chip him every play. This allows Green Bay's other pass rushers, like Rashan Gary, to thrive.

Gary has already matched his sack total from the 2024 season at 7.5 sacks. He has also added 37 total tackles and seven tackles for loss this season.

Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness has also benefited from the addition of Parsons when he's been on the field. However, Van Ness has been out with an injury, and with Devonte Wyatt out as well, they will need other pass rushers to step up.

Parsons continues to prove his value for Green Bay and is breaking records. They will rely on him to keep it up on this stretch run as the Packers try to take the NFC North title over the Bears and Lions.