Here’s Why Bond Between Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett Runs Deeper Than Sacks

“The kid’s special, man,” Garrett said. “I got to see it in person this offseason. But watch film. He’s a guy in the league that changes directions, the explosion on the ball, get-off, his suddenness. He’s a little bit shorter as a rusher, and that gives him the leverage angles that some guys just don’t have naturally, and he’s able to use that to his advantage.

“And he’s just ferocious and relentless when he’s out there. He’s a fun rusher to watch. If you’re up and coming – you want to learn how to rush, as a high-schooler, college player – he’s one of the guys you have to watch.”

Their “common respect and appreciation for one another’s game,” as Garrett put it, led to Garrett, Parsons, the Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson, the Texans’ Will Anderson and a few other players working out together this offseason.

“Oh, man, they’re heated. They’re heated,” Parsons said. “In all my life – and I was at Penn State and I was in a super-competitive environment – but you couldn’t have a bad day. There was a lot of sh** talking and nonsense going on between me, Will, Aidan and a couple of other guys from Cleveland, but you couldn’t have a bad day. The stakes were high every day.

“They tell you don’t look into the future, but I can’t wait to get back into that room and see how these guys complete the season and see how everyone performed. But I think everyone was off to a really good start.”

The competitiveness runs beyond offseason workouts and gameday Sundays. It went to contracts, too.

In March, as trade rumors swirled, Garrett and the Browns agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract extension. The $40.0 million average made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Parsons wanted to beat it. Eventually, contract talks between Parsons and the Cowboys broke down and trade rumors swirled. Rather than a Garrett-style extension with Dallas, Parsons was traded to the Packers. The four-year, $188 million contract he signed with Green Bay is worth $47 million per season – blowing Garrett’s contract out of the water.

When Garrett heard of the trade, he thought to himself:

“Holy sh**, he did it,” Garrett said. “Now I remember him talking about, we were sitting in the sauna during the offseason. He’s like, ‘If I get a deal, I’m going to beat the blank out of your deal.’ And he went out there and got it.

“So, that was the humorous part of the deal, and then him texting me, talking about, ‘Did I do right?’ I’m like, ‘It’s perfect.’ So, I’m glad to see that I get what he’s earned and he’s worth every dollar. He’s shown that him and that defense have been on it, too.”

Led by Garrett, Cleveland’s defense is one of the best in the league again. While the Browns are 0-2, they are No. 1 in total defense through Week 2 after finishing first in 2023 and fifth in 2021.

With the addition of Parsons, Green Bay smothered the high-powered offenses of the Lions and Commanders to start the season. The Packers, who are 2-0, rank fourth in points allowed and third in total defense. They didn’t allow a touchdown in the first three quarters of either game.

“You always want to be careful comparing guys,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Friday. “We get to see Myles every day. Special athletes. Obviously, these guys are so competitive. I think that’s the other piece of this and just how hard they play this game. They are so talented. Micah Parsons is elite. We have a ton of respect for him. They’re great players.”

Parsons has always been competitive. Being around Garrett helped him find another notch, which has been apparent during his first two games with the Packers. He is much more than just a pass rusher, no different than Garrett. He can dominate every play through skill, athletic ability and a relentless approach.

“Competing and understanding what he’s done for the game of football and how he’s came in and dominated but then also offering fellowship and mentorship, I think that’s what separates the good and the great,” Parsons said.

“Like just being a big brother, a big friend outside of football, I think that just offers just an unbelievable amount of respect when you do that. And you see his work ethic and you see his process and you say, ‘OK, this is why this guy is this good and this great.’”