Penn State coach James Franklin reflects on Micah Parsons' time as a Lion, rise to NFL stardom

A majority of Penn State coach James Franklin’s first news conference of Iowa week focused on the Hawkeyes, last Saturday’s win over Illinois, and a variety of players and position groups. But, the record is sure to reflect that his longest answer on Tuesday came in response to a question about a former Nittany Lion.

Franklin, who is in his 10th season as the leader of the Lions, was asked to reflect on Micah Parsons’ rise to stardom in the NFL. The Harrisburg native is a two-time All-Pro and en route to his third such honor in as many professional seasons. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. And, he’s widely considered as one of the sport’s most impactful players week in and week out.

Parsons played just two seasons at Penn State. He opted out of the 2020 season after the Big Ten initially canceled it and then put it back on in a shortened form due to the coronavirus pandemic. Franklin still laments not getting another year of Parsons in the middle of his defense. But, that does not stop the head coach from using Parsons as an example for current players in his program time and time again.

“I’m really proud of him for a lot of different reasons,” Franklin said. “Football is one of them. But, it’s a small one. He came and spoke to the team two weeks ago and just did a phenomenal job, and talked about the game, and Penn State, and this community. He sent me and [former Penn State defensive coordinator] Brent Pry the other day a beautiful, thoughtful, heartfelt message. There was a stat that went out the other day that he’s in the top 10 all-time in sacks for the Dallas Cowboys. He gets very little credit for graduating from Penn State in three years.”

Parsons is an example for Penn State players in NIL

Parsons would have made an incredible amount of money if athletes could profit off of their name, image, and likeness when he was in college. That was not the case. But, his money management as a pro is instructive for Penn State’s current players who can do so. Franklin shared a story about how Chad Ocho Cinco would wear fake jewelry, which gave the appearance that he had expensive earings without actually spending the money on it. He paired that idea with Parsons’ social media rants about the cost of various things in 2023, such as haircuts.

“I worry about that a little bit in today’s day and age,” Franklin said. “I’m a supporter of NIL, very much so. But I also really [think] that it sets up unrealistic expectations of how hard it is to earn a dollar. And I think a lot of times when you’re the head football coach and you talk about things like that, people don’t want to hear it from me and people in my position. But I worry about that.

“I hear stories about our guys wasting money on haircuts. Or, turning down NIL opportunities that they don’t think pay enough. I worry about it, [and] I worry about unrealistic expectations of how hard it is to earn a dollar in our country in our world. And, I want our guys to appreciate that. I think Micah is a great example. Because, I think part of our responsibility as college football coaches that I take very seriously is that, when our guys leave here, they’re equipped and ready to take care of themselves and their families for the next 40 years.

“And I think NIL can be a positive in teaching them lessons about how to manage your money. And I think Micah is a great example of that. He’s got more money than most people will ever dream of. But he’s complaining about how much a haircut costs on social media, you know? So I’m super proud of him.”

Remembering the wild ride

Franklin wrapped up his comments on Parsons with a look back at the totality of his journey so far. Penn State fans recall, of course, that he was once a commit, backed away from that pledge, and then ultimately signed with the Lions. He then had a great career in State College. And now, he’s one of the NFL’s biggest stars.

“We had some tough love when he was here,” Franklin said. “And he looks back at all this stuff with such appreciation now. He’s always been super thoughtful. I love that he embraced the whole Penn State experience. You would not find a bigger supporter of our wrestling program, because he loved how competitive they were, and what Cael has built here. He worked out with those guys. I don’t know if you guys know this, [but] he’s a passionate bowler. Believes that he can be a professional bowler. Loves to play chess.

“I’m proud of him. He’s growing up to be a really well-rounded individual and although he’s having a ridiculous amount of success when it comes to football, I think that’s going to be just a small part of Michael’s story. And I’m very proud of him.”