GREEN BAY – Micah Parsons has played in the NFL long enough now to understand how opposing offenses are going to try to slow down one of the game's premier pass rushers.
Chips, double-teams and sometimes even holding Parsons altogether have often been the only counter to the Packers' defensive end in his first four seasons, and he's a four-time Pro Bowler because of it.
While Parsons has grown accustomed to the extra attention, it's been eye-opening for Packers players who are still getting to know their new teammate, who was acquired just days before the start of the 2025 season in a blockbuster trade with Dallas.
Asked Thursday if he's ever seen a defensive player held more than Parsons, All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney answered without hesitation.
"No," McKinney said. "I ain't seen a guy get chipped as much, either.
"I don't know what the stats are on that but since we've gotten him, that's all we've been getting is a whole bunch of chippers, just trying to get our edge rushers to slow down a little bit and give them a little bit more time."
Parsons has been one of the league's best at pressuring the opposing quarterback since his acquisition. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Parsons is tied for first in pressures per game (6.0) and sits third in total pressures (30). Only Denver's Nick Bonitto (34) and Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson (32) have more, and they've each played one more game.
While pressures have been ubiquitous for Parsons, added attention has made his path to the QB trickier. He's powered his way to eight quarterback hits and 2½ sacks despite often having to slice through double-teams…and occasionally even more.
Parsons was poked in the eye both in Cleveland and against Cincinnati, though no flag was thrown either time. He told reporters Thursday the incident against the Bengals caused a broken blood vessel in his eye and prompted him to change his facemask.
Over the past week, clips also have been circulating on social media showing instances where Parsons appears to have been held without a flag being thrown.
Asked if he's getting held more this year than previous years, Parsons said it's been about the same. However, it's a topic Head Coach Matt LaFleur plans to address entering Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
"Surely you send stuff in occasionally (to the league), but that's definitely a conversation pregame (with the officials)," said LaFleur before practice Thursday.
Objectively, what's obvious is the lengths offenses are going to defend Parsons. At times, opponents have an offensive lineman and tight end lined up on Parsons with a running back behind.
That attention has been beneficial for the Packers' defense as a whole. Green Bay ranks in the top five in most defensive categories, including first in passing yards per play (5.13) and fifth in total defense (280.2 yards per game).
In addition to speeding up the quarterback's timing, Parsons has been a vital contributor to the Packers pacing the league in run defense, allowing just 73.0 yards per game.
"He is totally changing the game," defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. "He just plays so hard, so when you see two guys engage on him, he's got like one more burst left in him that most people do not have.
"You just see him accelerate, and you see it at practice, and you see how low he comes off the ball. There's like this other gear he gets where most people kind of shut down, he just keeps going."
Parsons' ability to drive through tackles has earned a couple holding penalties, but there may be a possibility for even more. Not a single flag was thrown for holding in the Packers' 27-18 win over Cincinnati last Sunday.
After five years in the NFL, Parsons says he's not worried about it. Getting held comes in the job description. His concern is when a defensive player is getting pulled to the ground or a chip blocker crashes into his side.
"That's how guys get hurt, man," Parsons said. "We put so much emphasis on protecting the offense. Protect the defense. A guy could be trying to catch the ball, and you make a defensive play so he doesn't catch it, and it's targeting. It's a flag.
"But a defensive end can be rushing and engaged with another player, and the guy can come blow his ribs out, and we're not considered defenseless."
Frustration aside, Parsons is looking forward to Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals. Defensively, the Packers are aiming to better close out games after allowing 38 points in the fourth quarter of their last three games.
Parsons feels good about where the unit is at after a "great practice" Thursday, particularly on third downs and two-minute situations.
Signs point towards Jacoby Brissett making a second start in place of an injured Kyler Murray and the veteran QB could look to copy the blueprint Dak Prescott and Joe Flacco set of getting the ball out quickly to avoid pressure.
Parsons welcomes the challenge and showing he can make an impact, regardless of the circumstances surrounding him.
"I've just got to keep going. That's the hunt," Parsons said. "That's part of the challenges. You've got to keep going. … That's the part of being one of the best. That comes with some territory."
