Seahawks Rookie Parsons Urged to Quickly Integrate into Defense

Brian Schottenheimer is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, a role he assumed in 2025. He began his NFL coaching career in 1997 as an assistant with the St. Louis Rams and has worked for nine NFL teams over nearly three decades. Schottenheimer spent notable periods as an offensive coordinator, including three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks under head coach Pete Carroll, where he helped develop quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw 106 touchdown passes during Schottenheimer’s tenure. He also coached running back Chris Carson to two 1,000-yard seasons and contributed to the success of receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Prior to his current head coaching role, Schottenheimer served as the quarterbacks coach for the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2005, during which he helped quarterback Drew Brees earn the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and Pro Bowl honors. His coaching career reflects a strong offensive background, particularly in quarterback development and offensive strategy. Brian Schottenheimer is the son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, a respected NFL head coach with over 200 regular-season wins. Brian has often cited his father and Pete Carroll as major influences on his coaching philosophy. His appointment as the Cowboys' head coach was supported by endorsements from notable figures, including Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, and others familiar with his work. Since taking over the Dallas Cowboys, Schottenheimer has been credited with uplifting team morale and earning players’ respect, marking a significant step in his career as he transitions into a head coaching role in the NFL’s competitive environment. His career continues to evolve as he leads one of the league’s most high-profile franchises.

Micah Aaron Parsons, born May 26, 1999, in Pennsylvania, is a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. He played college football at Penn State, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding defensive player, earning the prestigious Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award and multiple All-America honors during his sophomore season. Parsons tied for seventh all-time at Penn State in forced fumbles and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top linebackers[1][3]. Parsons declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected 12th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He made an immediate impact in the league, setting a rookie record with 12 sacks in his first 13 games, the fourth-most ever by a rookie. His stellar debut earned him the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and first-team All-Pro honors. Parsons' performance has been consistently recognized with Pro Bowl selections each year since entering the NFL, making him the first defensive player since Aaron Donald to achieve four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances at the start of his career[1][4]. In 2024, Parsons joined the Green Bay Packers, where he continues to be a dominant defensive presence. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, he is widely regarded as a versatile and dynamic force on the field. Off the field, Parsons is noted for his leadership, discipline, and resilience, often sharing his experiences and lessons through speaking engagements[1][4]. He has one son, Malcolm, born while Parsons was still in college[6].