BIOGRAPHY
Micah Parsons was born May 26, 1999, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is a linebacker in the NFL.
He attended Central Dauphin High School for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to Harrisburg High School where he started at both defensive end and running back. In his senior year, Parsons rushed for 1,239 yards and 27 touchdowns. He racked up 9.5 sacks and one interception. Parsons also played varsity basketball. He was a five-star recruit and was ranked #4 in his class by 247Sports.com and #7 by ESPN. He ended up committing to Penn State University. After committing to Penn State, Parsons was informed by head coach James Franklin that he would start his Penn State career at middle linebacker rather than defensive end, which he played in high school. Franklin also announced that Parsons would be in contention for the starting job even though he was a true freshman. In his freshman year, Parsons only started one game for the Nittany Lions, but managed to lead the team in tackles with 82. He became the first Nittany Lion to ever lead the team in tackles as a freshman.
Prior to the start of the season, Parsons was named to the Butkus Award preseason watch list. In his sophomore year, Parsons recorded 109 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 deflected passes and 3 forced fumbles. Parsons went on to be named the Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year and a consensus All-American. Parsons was named the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic defensive MVP after recording 14 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Parsons 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft after trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles from their original pick. In 2021 he was selected for the first ever unanimous rookie defensive player of the year award. He also made his first pro bowl as a rookie.
