Micah Parsons is popular for big plays, but this week, fans saw a heartwarming side of the defensive end. In a video shared by the NFL on Instagram, the Green Bay Packers star spoke about the coach who shaped his life. In the collaborative reel, Parsons honored the man who believed in him before he became who he is.

“When I was about five years old, I met Coach Han,” Micah Parsons said in the video. “This man, all he did was offer his time to the youth. He gave me a vision that I could believe in myself, that I could do anything that I wanted to do. It just takes one person.”

Parsons’ words shed light on the early support that helped him build confidence. He made it clear that Coach Han’s time and belief gave him direction. That early push helped him chase football seriously and dream about playing in the NFL one day.

Before committing to Penn State, Parsons starred at Central Dauphin East High School, where he played football, basketball, and track.

Back in 2017, a top honor came his way when Gatorade named him Pennsylvania’s best high school football player. After that, Penn State became his next stop, thanks to coach James Franklin, who saw something special and gave him a shot.

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As a freshman in 2018, Parsons led the team with 82 tackles. He also had four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. He became the first Nittany Lion freshman to lead the team in tackles.

Micah Parsons’ story was filled with guidance to reach the highest level. From meeting Coach Han at just five years old, who taught him to believe in himself, to growing under James Franklin at Penn State, Parsons’ journey proves that belief, hard work, and the right mentors set the foundation.

James Franklin’s big move that changed Parsons’ NFL journey

In a 2025 interview with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, Micah Parsons revealed that Penn State first recruited him to play offense, but head coach James Franklin quickly moved him to linebacker, shaping his NFL path.

“They lied to me,” Parsons said. “They told me I could play offense. When I got there… it was, ‘You need to learn linebacker first.’ So freshman year, I was like, you know, a little defensive. Learned it. Sophomore year, broke out.”

It was clear that Parsons adapted quickly. He expected one role but focused on mastering another. Franklin’s decision to move him to linebacker allowed Parsons to develop into one of college football’s most dominant defenders.

During what would have been his junior season, COVID-19 forced Parsons to make a tough decision.

“Junior year, COVID happened. I go into James’ office, and I was like, ‘Coach, you know, I’m thinking about heading into the draft. I don’t know what to do.’ He was like, ‘Well, you can play offense now.’ I was supposed to be Travis Hunter before Travis Hunter.”

Despite talk that he could move to offense, Micah Parsons made a statement at his 2021 Pro Day. Weighing 6’3” and 246 pounds, he clocked a blistering 4.39-second 40-yard dash, jumped 34 inches vertically, and leapt 10’6” in the broad jump, showcasing rare speed and explosiveness for a linebacker.

That performance cemented his status as a top-15 pick, and Parsons didn’t wait long as he was selected 12th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft.