Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis expressed bafflement over the recent Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers, citing concerns about the edge rusher’s injury history in a cold climate.
Willis Questions Cold Weather Move
The seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker explained his reaction to the trade involving the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher. “It baffled me a little bit, to be honest with you,” Willis said. “Not so much about the trade, but it was more so the fact he went to Green Bay.“
Willis’s main concern centers on the city’s harsh winter weather. He noted that for the last four seasons, Parsons played home games inside the climate-controlled AT&T Stadium, a stark contrast to the outdoor Lambeau Field.
Patrick Willis Comments on Micah Parsons’ Health
The Hall of Famer believes playing in below-freezing temperatures is not ideal for someone with a history of injuries. “I’m just like, ‘Man, with you having the injuries you’ve had to go somewhere like Green Bay, it gets cold,’” Willis stated. “It gets cold and to have injuries that’s not the place you want to go to.“
Parsons missed four games last season due to a high-ankle sprain. He also dealt with hand, knee, and shoulder injuries during the 2022 season.
Micah Parsons Packers Contract and Injury Update
Following the move, Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million long-term extension to remain with the Packers. His immediate availability is now in question as he deals with an L4/L5 facet join sprain in his back.
A recent report indicated Parsons may need an epidural injection to be ready for the Week 1 home opener against the Detroit Lions. Despite the current Micah Parsons injury update, he reportedly intends to play.
Focus After the Micah Parsons Trade
Willis believes Parsons’ priority will be on durability rather than the Week 4 matchup against his former team. Regarding the Dallas Cowboys trade reaction, Willis said, “The whole thing is not going to be, ‘Oh man, I can’t wait to play that team.’“
“He’s going to have a lot of other things on his mind,” Willis continued. “For him, I think the biggest thing is going to be staying healthy for this new squad.“
Willis Announces New Partnership
The former San Francisco 49ers star has partnered with The Athletic for its new “Connections: Sports Edition” puzzle. “I’m super excited to be a part of this campaign with The Athletic,” Willis said. “It’s one of those things where I’ve been a puzzler since I’ve been a kid, so to be part of this campaign I’m excited because you get to test your football knowledge.“
