Micah Parsons has made his feelings clear towards the Dallas Cowboys ahead of his return to the AT&T Stadium.
The 26-year-old defensive end was at the centre of one of the off-season's biggest deals. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, Parsons immediately impressed in his rookie year and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
He quickly became one of the franchise's most important players, but just a week before the start of this season, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Parsons signed a four-year contract worth $188m (£139m) that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in history.
On Sunday, he will return to Dallas for the first time since the move, which he admitted will be a unique experience.
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When asked about Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Parsons said: "It's going to be painful. That's my guy. He was always like a good mentor for me."
Parsons has already make an impact with the Packers, starting all three of their opening games.
Green Bay opened the campaign with wins over the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, before falling to a 13-10 defeat against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday evening.
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Parsons insisted that he is focused on football rather than the media attention.
He continued: "I accepted my fate weeks ago when the trade happened... so for me, it's just all about playing another game and doing what I do best, and that's be a disruptive football player. I think the media and the fans are trying to blow it up to be such a big thing."
Why did Micah Parsons leave the Dallas Cowboys?
Parsons' move away from Dallas came after a long-running contract dispute with the franchise. As talks dragged on throughout the summer, frustration grew on both sides.
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At one stage, the 26-year-old removed all references to the Cowboys from his social media accounts and later released a statement making it clear he no longer wanted to play for the Cowboys.
As part of the deal, Dallas received two first-round draft picks, as well as defensive tackle Kenny Clark. In a statement on X, Parsons wrote: "I never wanted this chapter to end, but not everything was in my control.
"My heart has always been here, and it still is. Through it all, I never made any demands. I never asked for anything more than fairness. I only asked that the person I trust to negotiate my contract be part of the process. This is a sad day, but not a bitter one.
"I'll never forget the joy of draft night, the adrenaline of running out of the tunnel, or the brotherhood I shared with my team-mates, coaches and the staff who prepared me for every single game. Those memories are mine forever."
James Taylor