Micah Parsons is real in everything he says and everything he does

Wes Hodkiewicz

Steve from Phoenix, AZ

I think it's a little spurious for Mike Florio to write an article claiming that the Green Bay Packers organization expressed their official position on the Sports Broadcasting Act based on Wes's thoughtful answer to a reader on a fan engagement page. That's all I have to say about that.

I wrote what I wrote, and I stand by every word of it. As a kid from Suamico who's lived in this area his entire life, I felt it was important to use the bully pulpit at my literal fingertips. Because I know how difficult life can be for Wisconsin teams when they are not winning. There are many fine folks at PFT whom I respect, including Florio. I very much appreciate them linking the column and also the Packers for providing me this platform to express my viewpoint. Now, let's get back to on-field football.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hey Wes, I liked Spoff's answer to Andy about courage of your convictions. I'm bought into that in how the roster is coming together. It feels like we have a higher percent of those "Let's see" situations, between hoping key guys come back to form after injury, needing to rely on guys to step up to starting jobs in the OL, several things to watch at RB, hoping the FAs contribute big, new kicker, etc. Does it feel that way to you? There are always unknowns, but I have a "buckle up" feeling this year.

Unknowns aren't always a bad thing.Jordan Lovewas an unknown three years ago. So, too, wasTucker Kraftout of South Dakota State. Every great NFL career begins with some level of uncertainty. That's part of the beauty of this sport. This league moves so fast and you never know when the next Aaron Jones,Daniel WhelanorEvan Williamsis going to emerge on your football team. Yes, the Packers are hoping for the best in 2026, but they also have contingencies in place. They always do with Brian Gutekunst managing the roster.

Steve from Ankeny, IA

Spoff's answer to Mike from Winona's question about how we will be better this year included these names of young players who need to take a step:Lukas Van Ness,Jordan Morgan,Edgerrin Cooper,MarShawn Lloyd,Matthew Golden,Anthony Belton,Javon Bullard, Evan Williams,Savion Williams,Barryn Sorrell. Wow, what a list! If half those men can take a solid step forward, look out for the Packers this year. That is a list full of talent.

That's the other point that's important to make. Teams won't bat 1.000 but they're not going to go 0-for, either. There's undoubtedly a few names on that list we'll be identifying as franchise cornerstones by year's end.

Andrew from Quincy, IL

Thank you II for all the work you put in to answer our questions. My question is regarding the Guardian caps. Can individual teams require the players to wear them during training camps and OTAs or does that go against the league rules and CBA?

NFL clubs provide input to players, but they can't mandate the universal use of Guardian caps. It's up to the individual players outside of the required windows they must wear them, which the NFL and NFLPA have agreed upon during training camp, in-season practices and I believe the concussion protocol.

Jim from Westland, MI

First game I (kinda) recall was the 1960 championship game...lifelong fan witnessed some incredible moments in football history. I recently injured my knee and await the MRI. Getting injections to ease the pain, my wife cautioned me about attempting to do too much, based on the recentMicah Parsonsinterview. His honest responses to his injury/rehab journey and his infectious personality have influenced this longtime fan.

Parsons is real in everything he says and everything he does. There is no fluff there. What you see is what you get and people connect with that. It's the same thing with Kraft. You don't have to be a cookie-cutter athlete to be loved. You can express yourself and show you are human. As long as you stay true to that identity, fans will have your back. All the best with the knee, Jim.

Randy from Raymond, IA

Do you foresee the defense starting the season a little slow having to learn Jonathan Gannon's new system and being without Micah Parsons for the first few games? Or do we have enough talent on the roster that it shouldn't matter? I appreciate you keeping all of us updated on everything GBP!

I don't worry about the first part. Jeff Hafley came here in 2024, and the defense quickly found its rhythm despite not playing the exact scheme he originally envisioned. I like the looks Gannon is showing, too. I think it's going to make for a fun transition. The pass rush is a bit more uncertain, though, and it likely will face an early test without Parsons. But like those "Let's see" scenarios we just discussed, this also is an opportunity for young guys to step up and show they belong in that rotation even when "Uno" is back on the field.

John from Palmdale, CA

Regarding Andy from Boscobel's submission, locking down great players with injury issues early not only gives GB the ability to get them long term without breaking the bank but it also demonstrates to every NFL player that we take care of our own and they want to play here.

Spoff will go into greater detail about this in his story about Kraft this morning on packers.com, but the tight end sent a powerful message on Wednesday He didn't just say he wants to spend his entire NFL career here. Kraft told reporters he felt spoiled that he was even drafted by the Packers in the first place. When you create a culture homegrown superstars want to be part of, you want to keep those guys in your locker room. Furthermore, the longer you wait, the more you pay. Unrestricted free agency is not cheap. The Packers' 2014 offseason taught me that lesson.

Keith from North Muskegon, MI

Wes, great article onChristian Watson; I most appreciate the comment "loyalty and the Packers' longstanding intertest" asthe reason for the contract extension...so great to see character rewarded along with talent in this case. GB is a special place, so my question is in your opinion, how much is character evaluated during scouting and acquisition, how much does it matter to the brass, and how does the aura of GB impact the willingness of a player to pass on free agency to stay a Packer?

Obviously, you can't just pick the kindest people with the most character to build a winning football team. If that were the case, Roger from Packers facilities and setup would be playing off-ball linebacker. But character certainly can be the cherry on top in the evaluation process. Watson is the total package, man. He is as grounded as he is gifted.

Connor from Minnetrista, MN

Will theJayden Reed, Watson, and potentially Kraft extension prevent GB from going out and signing big-name free agents next year such asJosh JacobsandXavier McKinney?

I wouldn't go that far, but the goal should always be to draft, develop, and retain your own. A big reason the Packers signed Jacobs and McKinney was they only signed two players (Love andIsaiah McDuffie) to second contracts from their 2020-21 drafts. Green Bay hit the jackpot from 2022-24, which is why you've seen so many players retained.

Jack from Chicago, IL

I (and seemingly everyone else) loves the comeback stories like Aaron Donald. It feels like there have been lots of good ones lately like Rivers, or the seemingly endless entourage of Tom Brady playmakers who would come around in the back nine or playoff run. I wish Green Bay had some players to hope for like that. Who would you want to stay ready for a playoff push this year? 36 is a bit old but if Eddie Lacy came on for a playoff run that would be awesome!

I could cover this league for another 20 years and nothing might top Philip Rivers dusting off the cleats after five years and trying to save the Colts' season. Legendary. The Packers player I would want to stay ready would be Marcedes Lewis, who hasn't officially retired but did tell Kay Adams last year that 2025 would be his 20th and final NFL season.

Tim from Fayetteville, NC

Which Green Bay Packer running back holds the record for most total yards for their rookie season?

I'm pretty sure it's Eddie, who had 1,435 yards from scrimmage in 2013.

Betty from Peachtree City, GA

I was wondering whether there are any updates available onKamal Hadden's health and availability. He was such a promising, young defensive back for us last season. Thanks.

I caught up with Hadden on Tuesday. Hadden is still in the rehab process, but he's in good spirits and his ankle is doing well. Again, you can't help but feel awful for Hadden. He was just about to get his shot when that injury occurred.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Can the Packers go into the playoffs even with a lot of injuries?

They did last year, but I think everyone wants more in 2026.

Matt from Sioux Falls, SD

Do you think we will see a time when the cap is at its peak? When this happens, how much harder will it be for teams to maintain the players ever rising salaries?

I don't think so. Regardless of TV rights deals, there's always going to be some form of inflation happening.

Dan from Minneapolis, MN

What's the biggest misperception or misconception that fans have regarding NFL players that you would like corrected?

Not a single player who steps on that field is "soft."

Dennis from Parrish, FL

So last minute yesterday I decided to drive to Tampa and hang out with the Grossi Possi! Three hours plus to meet St. Jude legend Tom Grossi. It was a blast, and I have a nice picture. He is easily going to raise a milly!

And probably a half milly by the time this column posts.

Dave from Lake Zurich, IL

Your equanimity when responding to inane submissions from people, such as Andy of Boscobel, is quite impressive and admirable. Perhaps this is a combination of Wisconsin nice and professionalism.

And whether we've eaten yet.

Tom from Santa Paula, CA

Greetings, thank you Wes for a thorough and thoughtful answer to the SBA question. I believe one of the drivers of revisiting it is a growing feeling that fans are being asked to pay out more and more so that the rich can get even richer. Not saying it's justified, but I've heard that complaint numerous times, and it seems to fit with the current zeitgeist of our nation. More importantly, did I just receive the longest answer in II history? If so, I might have to frame it! GPG!

Ha, it was definitely my longest single response. Send it to the stadium and I'll sign it for ya.

Dennis from Rhinelander, WI

Wes/Mike, in regard to 40-yard dash times, would either of you like to share yours?

Two years ago, I ran like a 6.09 at Titletown while also pulling my hamstringso I had that going against me, which sucked.

Mike from Glendale, CA

Good morning! Regarding the question about whether there have been three or more QBs who were No. 1 overall draft picks starting for teams in the same division at the same time, Claude Fable five says it's happened once: Peyton Manning (Colts), Drew Bledsoe (Patriots) and Vinny Testaverde (Jets) in the AFC East from 1998-2001. Most notably, Manning, Bledsoe and Testaverde each started all 16 games during the 2000 season. Jay Fielder, who was undrafted, led Miami to an 11-5 record and a division title that season, too.

To Mike's point, the readers never disappoint.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

In regards to the QB No. 1 overall pick question, I did a little research on a similar topic: 72% of current NFL starting QBs were drafted in the first round. I thought that was interesting.

If you're a QB and have some premium NFL traits, you won't sit for long on draft night. Just ask Ty Simpson.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Working in management, I am always trying to improve my leadership skills. With that in mind, what is one lesson about leadership you have learned from covering the Packers that applies just as well outside of football?

Nobody knows everything but everybody knows something. Listen to those somethings and you will succeed. Have a great Thursday.

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