Micah Parsons will take on a historical number for the Packers.
During his first press conference with Green Bay on Friday, Parsons — who was dealt by the Cowbys a day prior — announced that he will wear No. 1 this upcoming season, a number that has been worn by just one other player — the founder of the Packers.
“Yeah, No. 1,” Parsons told reporters during the press conference. “I’m going with No. 1.”
The number was last worn by Curly Lambeau, who founded the Packers alongside George Calhoun in 1919, serving as a player/coach for the team from 1920 until his retirement from playing in 1929.
Following his retirement, Lambeau continued coaching Green Bay until 1949, leading the team to six NFL championships during his tenure.
Lambeau — whose name lives on historic Lambeau Field — was a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963.
Since Lambeau last wore the number in 1926, Parsons will be the first to wear it in over a century.
Parsons, who previously wore No. 11 in Dallas that Jayden Reed wears in Green Bay, asked fans on social media if he should wear No. 0 or No. 1 for the Packers, with the edge rusher opting for the more historic option.
In addition to his number choice, Parsons also opened up on some of the details leading to his departure from the Cowboys, saying that he wishes that “things didn’t have to be like this.”
“You know, I wish things didn’t have to be like this,” Parsons said. “But I’m happy for this opportunity. Happy to be here. And I’m ready to win some games.”
Parsons added that he was starting become concerned that his contract situation with the Cowboys was not going to be resolved.
“Every opportunity is a great opportunity, that’s how I kind of look at it,” he said. “I did not want to be in a position were I was missing opportunities. Not only to feed my family, but, like I said, the brotherhood. Like those guys want to be on the field as bad as I want want to be on the field. They look at me as their big brother.”