The Green Bay Packers are carrying all of the hype into the 2025 season after they acquired superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. This is the first big splash addition the Packers have made in recent memory, and the fans are hyped up heading into their regular-season home opener at Lambeau Field. Their opponents? Their rivals and the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions.
As if Packers fans weren't already smitten with Parsons, he gave them even more reason on Thursday.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Parsons revealed that he has always had a hatred for the Lions. The quote comes courtesy of Cameron Ezeir of WFRV Local 5 Sports.
"Honestly, I felt like Dallas and Detroit had a rivalry. I've already got that rivalry built up. I'm excited to play them. I never liked Detroit," said Parsons. "I never liked them, even when I was in Dallas. It was always just a heavyweight fight, every time they came in, and they kind of got our guys when I was injured last year, or the whole team was injured. I just think it's a funny way how things work. I'm excited to play them. I know they're excited, and it's going to go all 12 to 15 rounds."
Micah Parsons reveals he's always hated the Lions ahead of Packers debut
And that is how you win over Packers fans.
Parsons entered the NFL in 2021 and has played the Lions twice in his career. In 2022, Parsons recorded six combined tackles (five solo, one assisted), two sacks, and one forced fumble in a 24-6 win. In 2023, Parsons once again recorded six combined tackles in a narrow 20-19 win. Parsons missed out on facing Detroit in 2024 due to a high ankle sprain. The Lions won that game 47-9.
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But with Parsons on the field, he is undefeated against the Lions. He's looking to make a statement in his Packers debut by defeating a rival he is familiar with and handing a Lions team with high expectations a loss to start the season.
There is some uncertainty surrounding Parsons, as he's dealing with a back injury and has been a limited participant in practice this week. The team should have a better idea of how much Parsons can play on Sunday.
Considering these comments, it will be interesting to see what kind of welcome Lions fans will give Parsons when the Packers head into Detroit on Thanksgiving.