Packers' Micah Parsons Praises Youth Coach's Impact in New NFL Campaign

Defensive lineman says his former coach gave him a vision to believe in himself.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:55am

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Green Bay Packers player Micah Parsons is featured in a new NFL campaign that highlights the positive impact youth coaches can have on young athletes. Parsons, who was recently named 3rd in the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, says he met his former coach, Coach Hamm, when he was 5 years old and that Hamm gave him a vision to believe in himself. The campaign was introduced during the Super Bowl and will continue to feature short videos of players discussing the transformative power of their youth coaches.

Why it matters

The NFL's new campaign shines a light on the often unsung heroes - youth coaches - whose inspiration and guidance can have a lasting impact on young athletes. By featuring players like Micah Parsons, the campaign aims to celebrate these coaches and encourage more people to get involved in youth sports.

The details

In a short video, Parsons speaks about the influence of his former coach, Coach Hamm, saying "All he did was offer his time to the youth. He gave me a vision that I could believe in myself. That I could do anything that I wanted to do. It just takes one person." Parsons' season was cut short in December when he tore his ACL, but he is expected to return to play next season.

  • Parsons met Coach Hamm when he was 5 years old.
  • The NFL's 'Champion' campaign was introduced during Super Bowl LX.
  • Parsons was recently named 3rd in the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The players

Micah Parsons

A defensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers who was recently named 3rd in the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Coach Hamm

Parsons' former youth coach who he says gave him a vision to believe in himself.

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What they’re saying

“All he did was offer his time to the youth. He gave me a vision that I could believe in myself. That I could do anything that I wanted to do. It just takes one person.”

— Micah Parsons

What’s next

Parsons is expected to return to play for the Packers next season after recovering from his torn ACL injury.

The takeaway

The NFL's new campaign highlights the powerful and often overlooked role that youth coaches play in shaping young athletes' lives, both on and off the field. Micah Parsons' story is a testament to the transformative impact a single coach can have by believing in a child and giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams.