Kenny Clark may have been shocked by the Micah Parsons trade, but his focus remains the same as he begins life with the Dallas Cowboys.
âIâm here to ball,â the 29-year-old defensive tackle said in a YouTube video posted by the Cowboys. âIâm here to be my best self. I feel like when Iâm my best self, thereâs nobody messing with me.â
The Cowboys acquired Clark and two first-round picks from the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster deal for the three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler Parsons on Thursday.
âI was shocked,â Clark said. âI was shocked. But once (Cowboys owner and general manager) Jerry (Jones) and all those guys called me, (head coach Brian Schottenheimer) and everybody, I just felt wanted. Itâs a blessing. Iâm appreciative of it.â
What to Know About Kenny Clark
On the heels of signing a $64 million extension, Clark registered just one sack in 2024 â the lowest total since his 2016 rookie season â and four tackles for loss on 685 snaps. He also had two fumble recoveries.
Pro Football Focus ranked Clark 85th out of 219 eligible interior linemen with a 59.3 grade, including 62nd as a pass rusher.
The 2016 first-round pick (27th overall) from UCLA was an otherwise impact performer in Green Bay, recording 35 sacks and eight fumble recoveries over 10 seasons. He also made three Pro Bowls.
Now, heâll need to adapt to a new home and a new defensive system, moving to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflusâ scheme.
Clark called the move a âblessing,â saying the Cowboys are going to get a âdog, somebody that is just all about football.â
âItâs great,â he added. âItâs a historic franchise. I would want no other thing than to be sitting here.â
Why Did the Cowboys Trade for Kenny Clark?
While Parsonsâ departure noticeably weakens the Cowboysâ pass rush, the 6-foot-3, 314-pound Clark is a welcomed upgrade at defensive tackle. Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-rounder, underwhelmed in the preseason.
Clark prides himself on being versatile, though he primarily sees himself as a nose tackle.
âThatâs my bread-and-butter,â Clark said, via NFL.com. âI can slide out to three in pass rushing situations or whatever the case may be, but wherever they put me, Iâm going to make plays.â
Clark had a career-high 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2023.
He will face his old team when the Cowboys host the Packers in primetime in Week 4.
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