Micah Parsons, stunned by his shocking last-minute trade from the Cowboys to the Packers just a week before kickoff, admitted the move was sudden but vowed to embrace the fresh start, as fans raged at Dallas management while Green Bay celebrated gaining a generational defensive star.

Packers' Micah Parsons denounces 'outrageous and rough' trade timing after  dramatic breakup with Cowboys - CBSSports.com

The NFL world was already buzzing ahead of the 2025 season opener, but nothing shook the league quite like the shocking news that Micah Parsons — the Dallas Cowboys’ generational defensive star — had been traded to the Green Bay Packers barely a week before the first snap of the season.

The move blindsided fans, analysts, and even some players inside both organizations, setting off a storm of speculation about what went wrong in Dallas and what Green Bay really sees in Parsons.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since the blockbuster trade, Parsons admitted he was stunned by the timing but determined to prove himself on his new team.

“Man, I was shocked,” he said during a press conference at Lambeau Field on Friday.

“You prepare your whole offseason with one plan, one vision, and then boom — you’re on a new team.

But listen, this is football.

This is business.

I’m here now, and I’m ready to give Green Bay everything I’ve got.”

The deal, finalized just seven days before the Packers’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, reportedly involved multiple high draft picks and a package of future assets.

NFL Week 1 Sunday review: Green Bay's Micah Parsons era starts after 'super  toxic' offseason, Travis Hunter says he 'can do more' | CNN

Insiders claim Dallas owner Jerry Jones grew frustrated with Parsons’ contract demands, while others suggest the Cowboys felt they couldn’t commit long-term money to both Dak Prescott and Parsons without gutting the roster elsewhere.

Either way, the abrupt trade left Cowboys fans heartbroken and angry.

At AT&T Stadium, emotions ran high among Dallas supporters who had seen Parsons as the face of their defense for years to come.

Social media was flooded with clips of his highlight sacks, with fans calling it “the end of an era” and blasting management for “giving away the soul of the team.”

Meanwhile, Packers fans greeted Parsons with open arms.

A video posted on the team’s official account showed him walking through the halls of Green Bay’s facility, already wearing green and gold, greeted with cheers from staff.

“It feels like a fresh start,” he said.

“This is a team that has tradition, that has history, that knows what it takes to win.

I want to be part of that.”

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur was effusive in his praise of the new addition.

Welcome to Green Bay! Micah Parsons runs down Goff for ELECTRIC sack

“Micah is one of those rare talents who can completely change the dynamics of a defense,” LaFleur told reporters.

“We’re not just talking about sacks — we’re talking about leadership, energy, a guy who makes everyone around him better.

To have him here before Week 1, it’s huge for us.”

Parsons also addressed the whispers about why he was dealt so abruptly.

“I don’t hold grudges,” he said carefully.

“Dallas gave me a chance to live my dream.

Things happen behind closed doors — contract talks, management decisions — that I can’t control.

All I can control is how I play on the field.

And now, I’m playing for the Packers.”

The transition hasn’t been without its challenges.

Teammates admitted it was unusual to see a major star walk into the locker room just days before kickoff.

“You don’t usually build chemistry overnight,” one unnamed Packers veteran admitted.

“But when it’s Micah Parsons, you just say, ‘Let’s go.’ He changes the game the second he steps on the field.”

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, for his part, remained diplomatic when asked about the trade.

Micah Parsons Reportedly Wanted To Play For One AFC Super Bowl Contender  Before Being Traded To The Packers - NewsBreak

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Micah,” McCarthy said.

“He’s a competitor, he’s a great player, and he gave everything he had to this organization.

But this league moves fast.

We’ve got to focus on the guys we have and move forward.”

Still, the move leaves Dallas’ defense with serious questions.

Without Parsons anchoring the pass rush, analysts have speculated the Cowboys could be vulnerable against high-powered offenses in the NFC.

For Green Bay, on the other hand, Parsons may be the missing piece needed to push them back into serious Super Bowl contention.

Parsons himself seemed energized by the challenge.

“Pressure is what makes this game fun,” he said with a grin.

“I know expectations are high here.

I know people are wondering if I can adjust this fast.

But I’ve been proving doubters wrong my whole career.

And I’m going to keep doing it.”

As Week 1 looms, the NFL world is watching closely.

The trade that rocked the preseason could reshape the balance of power in the league — and all eyes will be on Micah Parsons as he steps onto the field in Packers green for the very first time.