FRISCO, Texas – The news shook the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room on Thursday night: the renowned defensive lineman, Micah Parsons, was traded to the Green Bay Packers.The transaction included two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark in exchange for Parsons.Parsons communicated the news to his defensive line teammates via a group chat, while other players found out through their own groups or social media.
We have to win with what we have. And I think we have enough.
C.J. GoodwinCoach Brian Schottenheimer, following the trade, communicated with several key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and Trevon Diggs, to discuss the situation.
I wanted them to feel like they had the opportunity to talk to me. I told them, ‘You can tell me whatever you want. This is the reason we made the decision. This is what it involved.’ Those conversations were powerful, but they will also stay between them and me.
Brian Schottenheimer
On Friday, Schottenheimer addressed the entire team, reaffirming the team’s goals.
Nothing has changed. My goals haven’t changed, our team’s goals haven’t changed. The standard is the standard. I need us to win a world championship and build one of the greatest professional sports cultures in the world.
Brian Schottenheimer
The team also expressed their gratitude to Parsons via a message on X.
Thank you, Micah. ⭐️
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys)
Despite Parsons’ absence, the team’s focus was on preparing for their next game against the Eagles.
The positive thing about the moment of the transfer is that we are in a regular seven-day cycle with Philadelphia, and now we can focus on them.
Brian Schottenheimer
Replacing Parsons and his 52.5 quarterback sacks will be a challenge. The Cowboys hope Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku, second-round picks in the last two seasons, will take on a more significant role.
Whether I was here or not, it will be important for all of us to go out and produce. Now we can all show what we can do.
Marshawn Kneeland
Ezeiruaku highlighted Parsons’ support, who contacted him immediately after the draft and has helped him throughout the summer.
We’ve always been hungry to go get him and hit the quarterback. We have to fill that void and we’re going to do exactly that.
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Kenny Clark, for his part, arrived in Dallas after a morning flight from Green Bay and introduced himself to each player on the team.Clark, who was aware of Parsons’ contract situation, did not expect to be part of the deal. He was informed of the trade by the Packers while buying ice cream with his daughter.I’m here to play, whether it’s nose tackle or 3-tech. I’m here to be the best defensive tackle I can be.Clark, 29, and a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is under contract for three more years. Schottenheimer indicated that the deal might not have been finalized without Clark’s inclusion.Schottenheimer confirmed that Clark will play against the Eagles.
He has played in similar systems and is familiar with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ system. He’s a professional. He will have no problem adapting, so expect to see him on the field.
Brian Schottenheimer
Clark faced the Eagles twice last year, including the season opener and the divisional round of the playoffs.
