In the world of professional sports, mentorship and guidance can be the difference between a promising rookie and a true star. This is precisely what we're witnessing with the Green Bay Packers' young edge rushers, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, as they step into the spotlight in the absence of the legendary Micah Parsons.
The story of these two rising stars is an inspiring one, and it begins with a simple invitation. After the Super Bowl, Parsons, a four-time All-Pro pass rusher, invited Sorrell and Oliver to join him in Dallas for training and rehabilitation following his ACL injury. This invitation was not just a generous offer but a testament to the potential Parsons saw in these young players.
"Why would I not take that invite from a future Hall of Famer?" Sorrell asked rhetorically, a smile spreading across his face. And so began a journey of growth and development for these two rookies.
Living, breathing, and eating football for nearly two months, Sorrell and Oliver immersed themselves in the world of professional football. They trained alongside Parsons, learning from his unapologetically honest and intense approach to the game. Parsons recalls bringing them to lunch and providing them with feedback, which they always received positively.
"Their response to feedback was always overwhelmingly positive, which impressed me," Parsons said. This positive attitude and willingness to learn are key ingredients for success, and it's clear that Sorrell and Oliver possess these qualities in abundance.
The impact of this training is already evident. Sorrell, a fourth-round pick from Texas, played just 178 defensive snaps as a rookie but shined in the regular-season finale against the Vikings, registering eight tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. And during the offseason program, he looked visibly stronger, a testament to the hard work put in during those two months in Dallas.
"I really want to reach the best that Barryn Sorrell can be," Sorrell said, a statement that reflects his ambition and drive. Oliver, too, is eager to prove himself. He missed most of his senior year at Oklahoma State due to injury but impressed in limited duty last season, with NFL Next Gen Stats crediting him with four pressures and other notable plays.
The impact of Parsons' mentorship extends beyond the field. Sorrell and Oliver have formed a strong bond with their mentor, creating a safe space where they can push each other to excel. "I gained little brothers in the process," Parsons said, highlighting the personal connections formed during this journey.
As the Packers look to the future, they're counting on the improvement of these young edge rushers. With Parsons' return still on the horizon and the need to replace over 1,000 snaps played by departed players, Sorrell and Oliver's development is crucial.
"I'm looking forward to maximizing the opportunity this year to play a lot," Sorrell said, a statement that reflects the confidence and motivation instilled in him by Parsons. Oliver, too, is ready to embrace the challenge, eager to learn from one of the greatest players of his generation.
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, it's clear that the Packers' future pass rush is in good hands with Sorrell and Oliver. Their journey, guided by the mentorship of Parsons, is a testament to the power of hard work, positive attitude, and the impact a mentor can have on a player's career. It's an inspiring story that highlights the human side of sports and the potential for growth and success when the right ingredients are in place.
