Defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is closing in on the NFL’s single-season sack milestone. He stands ready to surpass it during the concluding three matchups of his 2025 season. However, according to Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, that record will be eclipsed in 2026: by Micah Parsons, who sustained a season-ending ACL rupture during a defeat against the Denver Broncos last Sunday.
“Simply observe the intense dedication he’ll show in his recovery, and the probable speed of his return,” Hafley conveyed to journalists on Wednesday. “Should I be inclined to wager, my money would be on him returning superior and likely setting a new sack record next season.”
“Therefore, I’m placing that expectation on both Micah and me, and feel free to disseminate this widely. Such is the unwavering belief I possess in his capabilities.”
Such a performance level would position Parsons as a strong candidate for both NFL Defensive Player of the Year and NFL Comeback Player of the Year, especially as he is expected to be absent for the start of the upcoming season. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network stated previously this week that the elite pass rusher is looking at a minimum recovery period of nine months.
By Wednesday morning, as reported by Rob Demovsky from ESPN, Parsons had yet to undergo surgical intervention for the ruptured left ACL he incurred on Sunday. This postponement, nonetheless, is typical for athletes awaiting a knee reconstruction operation.
Nevertheless, it remains highly probable that the Packers will commence the 2026 season without Parsons, indicating that the sort of resurgent year Hafley forecasts would be even more astonishing.
Garrett needs just one more sack to equal the existing record for sacks, a distinction shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Strahan achieved 22.5 sacks playing for the New York Giants in 2001, and Watt duplicated this figure in 2021 as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Should Garrett somehow fall short of exceeding that overall count this season, Parsons would then require 23 sacks within a truncated season.
He accumulated 12.5 sacks across 14 appearances this season, which marked his initial year alongside Hafley and the Packers, following a notable contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys that led to Jerry Jones exchanging Parsons for Kenny Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, and two first-round draft selections.
Parsons signed with the Packers on August 28th, merely ten days prior to their opening game of the season, securing a four-year agreement worth $188 million with the franchise. This agreement included an reported $136 million in guaranteed funds, establishing him as the highest-compensated non-quarterback player in NFL history.
“I was not even acquainted with him,” remarked Hafley, currently in his second tenure as Green Bay’s Defensive Coordinator. “I rapidly forged a remarkably strong connection with him.”
” … The intensity of his effort and the vigor with which he performed, and continues to perform, in both run defense and pass rushing, the sheer exertion he displays — I hold immense admiration for that individual.”
Although Parsons did not register a sack during Weeks 14 or 15, he maintains the top position in the league for total pressures this season, based on Next Gen Stats. His pressure rate of 20.7% in 2025 represented the third highest of his professional career, a career highlighted by four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors.
Parsons has been responsible for one-third of all pressures generated by the Packers this season, as per Next Gen Stats.
In the same manner that Hafley has faith in his premier pass rusher achieving a successful comeback, he also trusts that the remainder of his squad will react to Parsons’ unavailability with resolute determination.
“Regarding the squad, I communicated to them: ‘You must not permit external situations to govern your conduct,'” Hafley stated. “Just seven days prior, we gathered here post-victory against the Bears, everyone entering with high spirits and preparedness. And I declared, ‘It would be regrettable if your demeanor is at all different today.’ … It is our duty as leaders and coaching staff to ensure such a shift does not occur.”
“We possess exceptionally talented athletes. Our defensive performance is strong, and we intend to maintain that high level of defense. And our team members fully comprehend this fact.”
