Micah Parsons’ Dark Horse Path to NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stuns Critics

Ever wonder what it takes for a defensive player to truly transform a team’s fortunes? Well, the Green Bay Packers found their answer in Micah Parsons — a move that had fans and analysts alike raising an eyebrow and asking, “Was trading Kenny Clark really worth it?” Spoiler alert: it absolutely was. Since joining the squad, Parsons hasn’t just rattled quarterbacks; he’s ignited the entire defense, turning them into a force that’s tough to ignore. With Jeff Hafley’s defensive schemes and Parsons’ relentless pressure, the Packers have taken a giant leap forward. Now, as the race for NFL Defensive Player of the Year heats up, the question isn’t whether Parsons deserves the honor — it’s if anyone can stop him.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 28: Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers looks on against the Dallas Cowboys before the game at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. — (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers‘ defense took a big step forward in its first year under coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Then, adding Micah Parsons to the mix made them more dominant this season.

Of course, losing an elite run stopper like Kenny Clark was a big price to pay in the trade with the Dallas Cowboys, but it was certainly worth it, as it’s not very often that a player of Parsons’ caliber becomes available.

Fast forward to today, and the investment has paid off.

According to Kalshi Sports, Parsons is the favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, with a 36 percent chance of winning the award for the first time.

He is ahead of fellow pass rushers Myles Garrett, Aidan Hutchinson and Nik Bonitto.

NFL DPOY Favorites heading into Week 9, per @Kalshi:

36% — Micah Parsons
25% — Myles Garrett
23% — Aidan Hutchinson
15% — Nik Bonitto pic.twitter.com/FeEVZUw0ix

— Kalshi Sports (@KalshiSports) October 29, 2025

Parsons has 6.5 sacks and 14 QB hits to go along with 17 total tackles (nine solo) and six tackles for loss.

More than that, he’s helped teammate Rashan Gary reach 7.5 sacks already, which is the same amount he had all of last season.

Parsons is putting up pressure on the quarterback and freeing everybody around him, shaking off double teams and dominating at the line of scrimmage.

There’s plenty of football left to be played this season, but it’ll be hard to keep the award away from him if he keeps this up, with the Carolina Panthers on deck in Week 9.

The post Micah Parsons Given Intriguing Chances To Win NFL DPOY appeared first on The Cold Wire.