Micah Parsons Tore His ACL, Then Asked a 1-Game Rookie to Train With Him: This Is How Legends Are Made
Alright, listen up, 12s, because sometimes the most incredible stories of grind and grit don't come from our own backyard, but they still hit you right in the gut. We're talking about Collin Oliver, a fifth-round pick who saw exactly ONE game as a rookie. Yeah, you read that right. One. But get this, after his season was a total wash, he got an invite from a living legend, an All-Pro in four of his first five seasons, Micah Parsons himself. You gotta love that kind of unexpected leadership in the league!
From Couch to Conqueror: Oliver's Unbelievable Opportunity
Last year, Oliver's rookie campaign was a straight-up "nothingburger," his words not mine. He barely sniffed the field. A nasty hamstring injury at the Scouting Combine needed surgery and pretty much sidelined him all season. He didn't even hit the practice field until late in the year. So, when the season ended, you wouldn't blame him for just heading home, right? But Micah Parsons, who'd torn his ACL, reached out to Oliver. He asked if the young man wanted to spend weeks working out together in Dallas. "It's Micah Parsons," Oliver said. "You got to take that opportunity." Absolutely you do!
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Why an All-Pro Chose a Day 3 Pick
Parsons isn't your typical standoffish superstar. He's an All-Pro, yeah, but he's also a mentor. And he didn't just invite Oliver. Barryn Sorrell, another Day 3 draft pick with a nondescript rookie season himself, also joined the workouts. Sorrell at least put up 1.5 sacks in 14 games and showed some fire in practice, but Oliver? That hamstring injury kept him completely locked down. Who would have thought a player of Parsons' caliber, while rehabbing his own torn ACL, would take these young guys under his wing? It shows you the kind of character this sport builds, even when the cards are stacked against you.
The Grind Was Real: Building "Little Brothers"
These guys, Parsons, Oliver, and Sorrell, they hit it hard after the Super Bowl, grinding away until their teams' offseason programs started just before the NFL Draft. Oliver knows what this means for his future, saying, "It means the world, because I want to be great at this sport and he's one of the greatest players of our generation. To learn from him and to train with him, see where his mind's at when he's training, what he does on a daily basis to maintain the level of play that he has, you've got to take up on that." Parsons echoed that sentiment, saying he "gained little brothers in the process." He wasn't afraid to have tough talks, pulling them aside for lunch to pinpoint what they needed to improve. He even had Oliver sending him OTA reps videos to check his footwork. That's dedication, both from the mentor and the student!
You have to admire that kind of commitment to growth. Collin Oliver got a second chance at making his mark, all thanks to an All-Pro taking the time to invest. It just shows you the deep bonds and relentless pursuit of greatness that make this game so incredible. Keep an eye on Oliver this season. He's had a rough start, but he's clearly putting in the work to become something special.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.