Kenny Clark Adjusts to Dallas Ahead of Micah Parsons Showdown

FRISCO, Texas – Kenny Clark is preparing for a significant matchup against Micah Parsons as the Dallas Cowboys face the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Clark, who joined the Cowboys following a trade that sent him and two first-round picks to Dallas, has quickly settled into his new role as a defensive tackle.

For nearly a decade, Clark called Green Bay home before making the move to Texas just a month ago. Despite the challenges of relocating, he has adjusted well on the field, delivering strong performances in his first three games with the Cowboys. Off the field, however, Clark is still navigating the complexities of his transition.

“This is my first time moving, going on a different team and then, on top of that, just moving all my stuff,” Clark explained. After spending nine years in Green Bay, he faced the daunting task of packing up a life accumulated over nearly a decade.

Clark initially lived in a hotel for almost three weeks following the trade, with his family returning to Wisconsin shortly after the announcement. He described the experience as isolating, noting, “I was just like closed into that [hotel] room. I wasn’t used to that. So, yeah, it was stressful for sure.”

During this time, he had limited belongings with him, relying on a suitcase filled with casual clothes and using Uber to meet teammates for dinners and other commitments. He shared that he sometimes received recognition while out, saying, “They’d pretty much guess, ‘Oh, you a football player?’ So, we’d chop it up in the Uber and stuff. I mean, it’s been cool.”

Clark credited both his wife, Kaleeyah, and the Cowboys for facilitating his move. His family returned to assist with logistics, and the team supported him through the transition. By September 15, 2023, Clark finally moved into his new home, marking his first night back in his own bed.

Since settling in, he has taken the opportunity to explore the North Texas area, particularly enjoying the local dining scene. “I’m a big sweets guy and I love food, so I ain’t going to lie, I’ve been killing the food here,” he remarked. As the family continues to unpack, they are also searching for a school for their oldest daughter, Kenaii.

Preparing for Micah Parsons

As Clark adjusts to his new environment, he is also focused on preparing for the challenge of facing Parsons, who has returned to Dallas following a standout performance with the Cowboys. Coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has experience analyzing Parsons, acknowledged the unique threat he poses.

“I think I know Micah pretty well. They move him around a lot, which is great,” Schottenheimer stated. “I’m not going to give away our game plan for Micah, but we’ll pay a lot of attention to him. He’s that talented.”

Schottenheimer emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to contain Parsons, noting, “It’s going to be a long day for us and the guys trying to block him because he’s that talented. But it’s not just about Micah. It’s about their entire defense.”

Reflecting on his familiarity with Parsons, Schottenheimer commented, “Knowing Micah keeps you up even more at night because I’ve seen him do things I haven’t seen him do yet in Green Bay.”

New Number for Jadeveon Clowney

In addition to Clark’s transition, Jadeveon Clowney recently joined the Cowboys and has chosen to wear the number 42. Initially, there was speculation he might wear number 96, but he opted for 42, inspired by Jackie Robinson.

Clowney explained, “Wasn’t too many options, right? And then I was thinking, ‘Jackie Robinson wore 42,’ so my celebration probably when I get a sack, I’m going to throw that baseball up there and knock it up outta here.”

As both players prepare for the upcoming game, the Cowboys are focused on integrating new talent while facing off against a formidable opponent in Parsons and the Packers.