Garrett and Parsons: NFL Giant Duels, The Best?

Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons: Dominating the League at the Top of Their Game

In the world of American football, rivalry and respect intertwine at the top. Myles Garrett, star of the Cleveland Browns, and Micah Parsons, the sensation of the Green Bay Packers, are emerging as the undisputed leaders in the position of quarterback hunters. Garrett has expressed his opinion on his position in the league.

“I think we’re two of the best. In this generation, we have to keep leading the way. There are other names in the conversation, but I think to say that he’s in it and I’m in it is not out of the ordinary.”

Myles Garrett

These statements come two days before the match between Cleveland and Green Bay, a duel that marks the second encounter between two players who have redefined the market for their position in recent months. In March, Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Browns, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback player in NFL history at the time. This agreement ended a situation of uncertainty following the player’s trade request the previous month. Last month, Parsons was traded to the Packers following a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys. He then signed a four-year, $188 million contract with Green Bay, surpassing Garrett, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals as the highest-paid non-quarterback player. Garrett, who trained with Parsons in Dallas during the offseason, revealed that they both kept in touch and that he offered advice during Parsons’ contract dispute and trade request with the Cowboys.

“Damn, he did it!” Garrett said of his reaction when Parsons was traded and received a record extension. “Now I remember he told me, we were in the sauna during the offseason. He told me, ‘If I get a deal, I’m going to top your deal.’ And he went out and got it.”

Myles Garrett

Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has recorded 54 career sacks since arriving in the NFL in 2021. He and Hall of Famer Reggie White are the only players in NFL history to record at least 12 sacks in each of their first four seasons. Parsons values the growing connection with Garrett.

“To compete and understand what he has done for American football and how he has arrived and dominated, but also to offer companionship and mentorship, I think that’s what separates the good from the great, like being an older brother, a great friend outside of football,” Parsons said about Garrett earlier this week. “And you see his work ethic and you see his process and you say, OK, this is the reason why this guy is so good and so great.”

Micah Parsons

Garrett, Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, is the first player to record 100 sacks in his career before turning 29 since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. After two games, Garrett is tied for the league lead with 3.5 sacks. Parsons has 1.5 sacks and is tied for third with nine pressures. Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said the offensive line will need to be “hyper-aware” of Parsons, and coach Kevin Stefanski called him “elite”.

“If you’re on the rise, you want to learn to press, as a high school student, college player, he’s one of the guys you should watch,” Garrett said.

Myles Garrett

Parsons, who has been limited in his playing time (30 in Week 1, 47 in Week 2) since the trade due to a back issue, is no longer listed on the team’s injury report, but it’s unclear if he will remain limited.

“Who knows? We have two more games and the break, so we’ll see how they feel,” Parsons said. “They’ll probably let me know tomorrow, but hopefully it keeps decreasing to a full game.”

Micah Parsons

When asked if there was any reason to be limited in his playing time, Parsons replied: “The concentration is four weeks for a reason. It takes a while, but the training staff, we’ve been working before and after each day, so we’re slowly getting there.”