Michael Parson started his career as a Viking at Warren Central. He’s continuing it as a Viking in Minnesota.

Parson, a Vicksburg native and Warren Central graduate, has been hired as the head equipment manager for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

Parson will replace longtime Vikings equipment manager Dennis Ryan, who retired after 47 years with the team. Parson will become just the third person to lead the Vikings’ equipment room since the franchise joined the NFL in 1960.

Parson previously spent 13 years with the Houston Texans, including six heading up that team’s equipment room. He was fired in 2020 during a large front office purge.

“Mike is one of the best in the business, Minnesota got a good one!” former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who had issued a similar statement after Parson left Houston, tweeted Wednesday when the Vikings formally announced the hire.

Parson also worked for the New Orleans Saints as an intern during training camp in 2001 and 2002, and for part of the 2005 season. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University.

In his role as Director of Equipment Services for the Vikings, Parson will oversee all equipment operations for the club. He said in a Facebook post Tuesday evening that he was excited to be back in the league.

“Today after spending the last 15 years in Houston, I’m moving to Minnesota. I am blessed to take the Head Equipment Manager position with the Minnesota Vikings,” Parson wrote. “For every stumble in my life, I’ve always upgraded. I’m honored to continue what Dennis Ryan did for 47 years and do it with a great staff.”