It still doesn't feel real. In the blink of an eye, the Green Bay Packers went from one of the Super Bowl favorites to watching their dreams go up in smoke.
That's what losing a player like Micah Parsons does to a team. Tests confirmed the Packers' worst fears. He tore his ACL in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos and will miss the remainder of the season.
Parsons took to social media to deliver an emotional reaction. He vowed that he is "not defeated" and will "rise again." Parsons wrote:
"I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated. This injury is my greatest test—a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I'm deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose. I will rise again."
Micah Parsons delivers an emphatic message to Packers fans after heartbreaking injury
Having had the pleasure of watching Parsons this season, it's clear he will attack his recovery and leave no stone unturned. An injury like this takes time to recover — likely at least nine months — but Parsons will do everything possible to return on the quicker end of that timeline.
But it makes the heartbreaking news even more real.
Parsons is everything to this defense. It goes beyond his 12.5 sacks and 79 pressures (per PFF). He changed the way offenses played against the Packers, often taking on the lion's share of blockers. It opened up one-on-one matchups for everyone else.
Green Bay's pass rush could go from one of the best in the NFL to one of the worst, just like that. It's a season-wrecking injury.
The Packers won't give up. Matt LaFleur will make sure of that. But Parsons is one of the few truly irreplaceable players on the roster, just as Tucker Kraft was on offense. Green Bay lost both.
Let's be honest: none of us were ready for Parsons' message. It still hasn't sunk in yet. But it's the heartbreaking reality. The good news? Parsons will be back next year. He made that clear with his final four words.
"I will rise again."