Micah Parsons’ situation has experienced significant shifts recently. The Dallas Cowboys’ standout defensive player was reportedly moved to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, which also involved a substantial updated agreement. Additionally, on Friday, the celebrated edge rusher mentioned that he will sport the No. 1 uniform, an honor that has not been bestowed upon a Packers player since 1926.
Parsons revealed his choice of jersey number during his introductory press conference that Friday evening, a notable departure for the exceptional defensive talent who previously wore No. 11 for the Cowboys and during his college career at Penn State. However, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed currently holds the No. 11 position.
Interestingly, Reed himself had initially hoped to wear the No. 1 jersey when Green Bay drafted him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but his request was turned down with the explanation that “it wasn’t available.”
In fact, the No. 1 jersey has remained untouched by Packers players since 1926, with only one individual ever wearing it: Curly Lambeau, the team’s founder, former player, and coach. When Lambeau and George Calhoun established the Packers in 1919, Lambeau proudly wore the number during his decade-long tenure with the team. Throughout his 10 seasons, he earned All-Pro accolades three times and clinched an NFL championship with the Packers in his final year as a player-coach. Following his playing career, he continued to guide Green Bay to five additional titles.
While the Packers haven’t officially retired the No. 1 jersey, the fact that it has remained unworn for almost a century suggests that Green Bay doesn’t readily assign this esteemed number to just anyone. Therefore, Parsons’ announcement of his decision to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Packers signifies that Green Bay views Parsons as deserving of such a distinction. After all, Lambeau’s contributions were fundamental to the creation of the Green Bay Packers, and despite the numerous other ways in which they’ve honored him, such as naming their home stadium after him, it’s now evident that the No. 1 jersey is once again available.
Parsons sought input from fans on social media regarding his jersey number choice, weighing options between No. 0 and No. 1. Following his announcement on Friday night, anticipation is high for Parsons to debut his new number at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday when the Packers face the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, a game to be broadcast on CBS.
