New Cowboys three-time Pro Bowl DT calls trade from Packers a 'blessing'

The newest member of the Dallas Cowboys was "shocked" by the news this week that he was leaving the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2016 draft. 

On Thursday, the Green Bay Packers traded two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Cowboys in exchange for All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons. 

While Parsons grabbed the headlines, Clark is an impressive player, making three Pro Bowl appearances during his first nine years in the league.

He called the trade from the Packers to the Cowboys a "blessing" because he felt needed.

"I was shocked, but once Jerry (Jones) and all those guys called me, (head coach Brian Schottenheimer) and everybody, I just felt wanted. It's a blessing, I'm appreciative of it." Clark said via the Cowboys' website.

Clark has appeared in 140 games and started 137 during his time in the league. He's recorded 417 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 35 sacks seven forced fumbles.

Clark is able to play the nose tackle or three-tech position. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus relies on the three-tech to be the engine of his defense. During his news conference on Thursday night, Jones said he believed the trade would help Dallas stop the run. 

Clark believes he can help in that area.

"When it all comes down to stopping the run, it's all about physicality and setting edges," Clark said. "I think as long as we're doing our job as a defense, it all takes 11. It takes all of us understanding how to stop the run and it takes all of us holding each other accountable every day to know our responsibilities and play the run so we can be able to rush the passer."

Clark has a short amount of time to get used to Eberflus' system before the Cowboys play their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. The Eagles will test the new run defense with Saquon Barkley in the backfield.