Kenny Clark didn’t expect to be a Dallas Cowboy this season, not least because he — like most of the world’s population — didn’t see Micah Parsons being a Green Bay Packer.

The Pro Bowl nose tackle admitted to being shocked by the ‘phone call that informed him that he, and two first-round draft picks, were the price of landing one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers, but immediately vowed to bring his A-game, which has produced 35 career sacks, to Big D. Cowboys fans were quick to deride the trade, not just because a fan favourite was being, for want of a better phrase, sent packing, but because a cursory glance at Clark’s 2024 stats suggests a drop in productivity, despite him posting a career-best run stuff rate. The player insists that he remains amongst the best at his position — one that Dallas desperately needs to fill in an effort to contain opposing run games.

“I’m here to ball,” Clark told journalists in his first meeting with the press. “I’m here to be my best self — and I feel like, when I’m my best self, there’s nobody messing with me.

“I pride myself on being an all-around defensive tackle, but I’m primarily a nose tackle. That’s my bread and butter. I can slide out to three in pass rushing situations or whatever the case may be, but wherever they put me, I’m going to make plays. I’m no nonsense, somebody that’s just all about football. You’re going to get a dawg — that’s what I bring to the table — and I’m here to play my ass off.”

Turning 30 during the coming season, Clark has spent all of his nine years in the pros with Green Bay, quietly going about his business and earning the recognition of his peers as one of the best at his position. As a result, being moved on was unexpected, but the UCLA alum is ready to mix it up in Dallas.

“I was shocked, but it’s a blessing and I’m appreciative of it.” Clark insisted. “I’m just excited to meet the guys, play with those guys and just break bread with them. I just want to establish myself by how I play, just by being myself and establishing myself as a leader. I lead by example — I truly believe in being a pro and doing things the right way.

“It takes all of us understanding how to stop the run and it takes all of us holding each other accountable every day.”