Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons was asked on Friday whether he thought he could challenge for the Defensive Player of the Year award, a race that’s led by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett thanks largely to his NFL-leading 19 sacks.
While Parsons noted it would be a nice achievement, he also stated that, more importantly, he’s playing for respect, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
“I think it’ll be a nice accolade if I’m able to achieve that once in my career, but for right now, I just been playing for respect,” Parsons said. “I think that’s kind of what’s making me go.”
Parsons expanded upon those feelings.
It’s impossible to honestly disrespect Parsons, who has been phenomenal in Green Bay since he was traded from the Dallas Cowboys and signed a four-year, $180 million deal last offseason.
In 12 games, he’s amassed 12.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for a loss and 38 tackles (18 solo). Parsons leads a Packers team that’s sixth in scoring defense and sitting second in the NFC North with an 8-3-1 record.
While it may be difficult for Parsons to win the DPOY with Garrett in the way, he’s a sensational athlete who should very likely finish second in that race.
Most importantly, though, he’s a transformative presence on a Packer team that could very well be making and winning the Super Bowl. Right now, the 9-3 Chicago Bears stand in the Packers’ way as the leaders of the NFC North, but Green Bay plays them twice in three weeks and can overtake their rivals in the division.
Their first game will be Sunday in Chicago at 4:25 p.m. ET.