Green Bay Packers star defender Micah Parsons voiced his frustration with NFL officiating following the team’s crucial 28-21 victory over the Chicago Bears on December 7, 2025.
Despite the win, which propelled Green Bay into first place in the NFC North, Parsons and head coach Matt LaFleur were critical of the lack of holding penalties called against the Bears’ offensive line. Parsons, who was held without a sack in the game, claimed he has become “immune” to the lack of calls, a sentiment he feels has defined much of his career.
The controversy centres on several plays where Parsons appeared to be illegally restrained by Bears linemen, most notably right tackle Darnell Wright.
Video replays circulated by fans and media showed instances where Wright seemed to have his arm around Parsons’ head and neck, dragging him to the ground without drawing a flag. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur backed his player post-game, stating, “I guess I don’t know what holding is anymore,” expressing confusion over the officiating standards.
Parsons finished the game with just one tackle and two quarterback pressures, uncharacteristically low numbers for the elite pass rusher. However, his impact was still felt as he consistently collapsed the pocket, helping the Packers’ defence limit the Bears to just seven points in the second half.
A late interception in the end zone ultimately sealed the win for Green Bay, but the missed calls remained a major talking point.
Statistically, the lack of holding penalties drawn by Parsons has become a trend. Reports indicate that despite being one of the most double-teamed and physically engaged defenders in the league, Parsons has not drawn a single holding penalty during the 2025 season.
This anomaly has sparked debate about whether elite pass rushers are being officiated differently to favor offensive production.
The Packers (9-3-1) now control their own destiny in the division race, but the officiating controversy adds tension as they prepare for a potential Week 16 rematch with Chicago.
For Parsons, the focus remains on fighting through the contact, though the frustration is evident as he continues to chase the league’s top sack leaders.
