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Dan Campbell Apparently Wasn't Too Worried About Micah Parsons Heading Into Sunday

The Lions head coach seemed to downplay the All-Pro's arrival in Green Bay.
Micah Parsons immediately made his presence known in Green Bay on Sunday.
Micah Parsons immediately made his presence known in Green Bay on Sunday. | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Micah Parsons helped his new Packers team wreak havoc on Sunday afternoon, notching his first sack in green and yellow as they rolled past the division-rival Detroit Lions, 27–13.

After a pseudo-bidding war for the perennial All-Pro's services, Green Bay landed Parsons in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The move seemingly positions the Packers as immediate Super Bowl contenders, but apparently, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is more excited by Clark's departure than he is concerned with Parsons’ arrival.

As revealed by Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the CBS broadcast on Sunday, Campbell seemed "relieved" that the 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was on his way out of the division during their pregame production meeting:

"When we were talking to Dan Campbell, they were so relieved that Clark was leaving this division ..." said Nantz. "It felt like they were more relived that he was gone, Clark, than they were concerned that Parsons was coming to Green Bay."

Here's a look at the clip:

It makes sense, given Clark's dominant presence on Green Bay's front over the past nine seasons, but Parsons—who signed a four-year extension with the Packers upon his arrival—is set to do the same, if not more, over the coming seasons.

With the win, the Packers move to 1-0 to begin the 2025 season, while the Lions starts 0-1. The two clubs will meet again on Sunday, Nov. 27.


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Published | Modified
 Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.