If it is awkward to run into an ex, just imagine how former Cowboys star Micah Parsons will feel this Sunday when he travels back to Texas for the first time as a visiting player when his new team, the Packers, play his old team, the Cowboys. Parsons will face an entire team of exes, ones he went through training camp with (as a “hold-in” seeking a new contract extension), and will do so in front of millions watching on television.
And Parsons will have to face off against one of his closest friends and mentors in the NFL, star quarterback Dak Prescott, who helped Parsons along as a bright-lights superstar after he was drafted in 2021.
Not only will Parsons have to face his old friend, he is going to actively try to rip his head off. Again, it’s awkward.
Dak Prescott Was a Mentor for Micah Parsons
Such is life as an elite pass-rusher. Make friends with quarterbacks at your own peril, because you never know when a change of scenery will force you into a situation in which you’re trying to sack your friend repeatedly over the course of 50 or 60 plays.
Speaking to the Associated Press this week, Parsons said of attacking Prescott, “It’s going to be painful. 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 itself.”
Parsons figures to get ample chances, too. The Cowboys‘ line has been a strength and allowed only 1.7 sacks per game thus far, eighth in the NFL. But on Sunday, the Cowboys will be trotting out an offensive line that features two starters–center Cooper Beebe and guard Tyler Booker–out with injuries.
Parsons has 1.5 sacks on the season thus far for the Packers.
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys before a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cowboys Traded Micah Parsons on August 28
The Cowboys and Parsons could not come to terms on a new contract this offseason for the star, who rates among the best defenders in the NFL. The contract issue got personal between Parsons and owner Jerry Jones, a surprise because the two forged an odd friendship over the years. But Jones thought he had a handshake deal with Parsons, who wanted to be certain that his agent constructed the contract.
When Parsons insisted Jones go through his agents to set up a deal, and Jones refused, the relationship soured beyond repair. At the end of August, Parsons was traded with two first-round picks and Kenny Clark to Green Bay.
Cowboys ‘Just Another Game’?
Parsons then signed a four-year, $188 million contract with the Packers, with $136 million guaranteed, setting a non-quarterback record in the NFL.
Despite the awkwardness with Prescott, Parsons said he will do his best to treat the Cowboys game with no special emotion.
“I accepted my fate weeks ago when the trade happened,” Parsons said. “So for me, it’s just all about playing another game and just doing what I do best, and that’s just be a disruptive football player. I think the media and the fans are trying to blow it up to be such a big thing. But I just look at it as just another game at AT&T.”
Ex-Cowboy Micah Parsons Makes ‘Painful’ Dak Prescott Admission Before Week 4