Welcome to World of Sports, The Feather’s revived sports column written by multiple sports enthusiasts. Our writers will be serving up tasty tidbits, hot takes on the latest sports trends and events, along with predictions about the world of sports beyond Fresno Christian Schools. Meet us here to explore the world of sports and to weigh in with your own opinions on these worldwide topics.
In the world of the NFL, trades are important. The big news this year is the blockbuster trade made just one week before the 2025-26 NFL season began. The Dallas Cowboys sent star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers in return for defensive tackle Kenny Clark, as well as two first round draft picks.
Parsons was unhappy with the Cowboys’ organization after failed contract discussions throughout the off season. Parsons signed a 4-year, $188 million dollar contract with the Packers, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The average salary for a defensive end is 30-34 million a year, solidifying Parsons as generational talent.
Fresno Christian student Paul Torres, ‘28, along with the rest of his family, is a die-hard Dallas fan. The Cowboys have been his go-to team since he was a kid.
“Parsons is worth that type of money,” Torres said. “He got paid because he forces a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks, forcing them to panic.”
The following Sunday, the Green Bay Packers had their home opener against the Detroit Lions. While Parsons only played 29 snaps due to his lack of experience with this new team, his immediate impact was noticeable. Throughout the game, Parsons forced immense pressure on Lions QB Jared Goff. Parsons even got his first sack as a Packer, reinforcing the hype around the trade.
Parsons was asked in an interview after the game, “Do you have your joy back?” Parsons responded: “I did not have any joy the last three months, but now I have my joy back.”
Parsons played his second game on Thursday night against the Washington Commanders. Parsons had almost double his week 1 snaps with 47, after another week of practice with the team. He forced considerable pressure on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, recording yet another sack. Watching the game was Alex Asatrian, ‘27, a lifelong Packers fan.
“I think Parsons will transform the Packers from a playoff contender to a Super Bowl-caliber team. The first game he played against the Lions, he didn’t play a lot, but he forced a lot of pressure on Jared Goff and even caused him to throw an interception,” Asatrian said.
Their latest game, the Packers played at Cleveland, Ohio, against the Browns. The Packers suffered their first loss of the season. Parsons continued to put pressure on the quarterback and gained two tackles. This Sunday, Parsons will be playing his former team, the Cowboys. They were teammates for four years.
“It’s going to be painful to sack Prescott,” Parsons told USA Today.
The Packers weren’t the only team making moves this offseason. Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers signed 40-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers secured a one-year deal worth $13.6 million. Rodgers played his first game with the Steelers against his previous team, the New York Jets.
With Rodgers’ help, the Steelers participated in an opening-week shootout, securing the win 34-32. Rodgers threw a solid game, passing for 244 yards and four touchdowns. In week two, Rodgers led the Steelers in their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, losing 31-17. Rodgers went 18/33 203 passing yards one touchdown but threw two interceptions as well. This last Sunday, the Steelers played on the road versus the New England Patriots, winning 21-14. Rodgers threw for 139 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
Isaiah Long, ‘28, is a big NFL fan; his family’s team is the San Francisco 49ers.
“I think this trade makes the Steelers better because now they have a veteran QB,” Long said.
I personally think the Parsons trade solidifies the Packers as a playoff contender. However, I don’t think they will make the Super Bowl this year. My prediction is Parsons will finish his first year with the Packers, totaling 12 sacks. As for the Steelers, I still think they will have a winning season and make it to the playoffs but lose in the first round. This will most likely be Rodgers’ final year in the NFL. I think if he has a good season, he will retire after his long and colorful career.
Stay tuned for the next World of Sports column about Fresno State Football.
To read more from the Feather, go to World of Sports: NFL Season is back and Look Up, Superman Movie Takes World By Storm.
