The NFL world wasn’t the only one shocked by the Micah Parsons trade on Thursday evening – Kenny Clark was too.
Less than 24 hours after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the blockbuster deal that sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Clark detailed the life-changing call he received while getting some ice cream for his daughter, Kenaii. Clark was informed of the trade that would end a nine-year run for him in Green Bay – the only NFL team he has played for.
‘I was shocked, but once Jerry and all those guys called me, Schotty and everybody, I just felt wanted. It’s a blessing, I’m appreciative of it.’ Clark said, via the Cowboys’ official site.
The three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is ready to introduce himself to the Cowboys defense, saying he is prepared to be the best version of himself.
‘No nonsense, you’re going to get a dawg, somebody that’s just all about football,’ Clark said. ‘I’m here to ball. I’m here to be my best self. I feel like when I’m my best self, there’s nobody messing with me. That’s what I bring to the table, I’m here to play my (expletive) off.’
He won’t have a long time to do that, however, with the Week 1 kickoff set for Thursday, Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Clark will have to cram an entire offseason’s worth of preparation into just a few days as he prepares for his Dallas debut.
‘First and foremost, just establishing myself by how I play,’ Clark said. ‘And just being myself, establishing myself as a leader. I lead by example, I truly believe in being a pro and doing things the right way.’
Jerry Jones pointed out during a press conference following the deal that stopping the run would be a point of emphasis for the team going forward and Clark is a big reason for that. The 29-year-old explained what it will take for the Dallas defense to accomplish that goal.
‘When it all comes down to stopping the run, it’s all about physicality and setting edges,’ Clark said. ‘I think as long as we’re doing our job as a defense, it all takes 11. It takes all of us understanding how to stop the run and it takes all of us holding each other accountable every day to know our responsibilities and play the run so we can be able to rush the passer.’
While Clark won’t be getting to the quarterback at will like Parsons, there is still some potential for sacks with the former Packer.
He set a career-high with 7.5 sacks in 2023 and has 35 for his career, noting that is part of his game.
‘I pride myself on being an all-around defensive tackle, but I’m primarily a nose tackle. That’s my bread and butter…’ Clark added. ‘I can slide out to three in pass rushing situations or whatever the case may be, but wherever they put me, I’m going to make plays.’
From one historic franchise to another, the goal remains the same – no matter the place.
‘It’s a historic franchise, I wouldn’t want no other thing other than to be sitting here,’ Clark said. I’ve got a chance to win a Super Bowl here and that’s all I could ask for. That’s what I want to do, I want to bring a Super Bowl back to the Cowboys.’
While the trade hasn’t drawn rave reviews from analysts, it will come down to what happens on the field. And if there’s one thing for certain about the NFL, it’s that anything can happen.