Micah Parsons, the Green Bay Packers’ star defensive player, is set to face off against his former Dallas Cowboys teammate Dak Prescott in a highly anticipated matchup this Sunday. The game, dubbed ‘America’s Game of the Week’ by Fox News, marks Parsons’ first return to AT&T Stadium since his trade to Green Bay. During a recent media session, Parsons openly discussed the emotional weight of potentially sacking Prescott, whom he has referred to as ‘my guy’ and a long-time mentor. Despite the emotional challenge, he expressed excitement about the opportunity, calling the matchup a ‘great test’ for his skills. “It’s going to be painful,” Parsons admitted. “That’s my guy. He was always like a good mentor for me. But you know how it is. He always told me if I ever faced him that it’ll be a great matchup, so I’m excited to see what Sunday brings.”
The trade of Parsons from Dallas to Green Bay had initially generated high hopes, with many expecting him to sign a long-term extension with the Cowboys. However, the trade was finalized just days before the start of the season, and owner Jerry Jones honored the request, sending the Packers first-round picks in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Drafts, plus defensive tackle Kenny Clark, in exchange for Parsons. Green Bay quickly made Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a four-year contract reportedly worth $188 million and $136 million guaranteed. Through three games, the move has raised questions for Dallas, as the Cowboys’ defense has faltered, and they nearly started 0-3 if not for Brandon Aubrey’s 60-plus-yard field goal that forced overtime against the Giants in Week 2. Dallas sits at 1-2 after last week’s blowout loss to the Bears.
For Parsons, the game is just another challenge on the field, but for the Cowboys and their fans, it represents the return of a star player who grew up dreaming of wearing the Cowboys’ star. Parsons has thrived with the Packers, tallying 1.5 sacks and five combined tackles so far, continuing to anchor a strong defensive front. “Besides the fans, just the teammates, the support staff — I mean, they made this transition so great and I’m just extremely honored and blessed to be with such a great group of guys that want to win and that just want to play football,” Parsons said. “I think we’ve been playing really good football so far, so that helps, and I just hope we continue that.”
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, with the game drawing significant national attention as the NFL season progresses. The performance of both teams in this matchup could have implications for their standings and the future of their franchises, as the Packers look to maintain their upward trajectory while the Cowboys seek to regroup and find their footing in the competitive NFC East.