If this is the beginning of a legendary NFL career for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., he will have a great story to share with his grandchildren someday.
The eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft has been serving as the backup quarterback to Kirk Cousins through the first 15 weeks of the season, but that’s about to change.
Penix Jr., 24, was asked how he learned he was QB1 for the Falcons’ Week 16 game against the New York Giants. His answer was humorous and relatable.
What Michael Penix Jr. Was Doing When He Got The News
He was shopping at Costco. Penix was about to buy a $1.50 hot dog when he received the phone call telling him the news. He admitted that he was no longer hungry after the call.
Can’t make up how Michael Penix Jr. found out he’d be making his first NFL start 🤣🌭 pic.twitter.com/JT3uHKNHiy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 19, 2024
Penix Looks Good In Practice
At Thursday’s practice, all eyes were on Penix Jr. He looked good, completing passes to Kyle Pitts and Drake London.
First look: Michael Penix Jr. on the field in his first practice as #Falcons starting quarterback @ATLNewsFirst
(🎥: @Studlee73) pic.twitter.com/Ix9gFb5jT3
— Connor Hines (@ConnorHinesTV) December 19, 2024
Michael Penix Jr. ➡️ Kyle Pitts pic.twitter.com/JDzITPgPFq
— Amna (@amna__subhan) December 19, 2024
Michael Penix, Jr. And Kirk Cousins
Michael Penix Jr. has the highest respect for Kirk Cousins. He said, “I look up to Kirk. In my eyes, Kirk can do no wrong… He’s special.”
Nick Saban believes Michael Penix Jr. has a higher chance to succeed because he sat behind a veteran ✍️
“I think there’s a lot to be said about guys that learn how to be professionals and have respect for development.” pic.twitter.com/Enge9F211v
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 19, 2024
Nick Saban believes that Penix’s time backing up Cousins will benefit him. He thinks the play-now-or-bust mentality of young NFL quarterbacks has hurt more than helped their development.
Fans are cheering for Penix Jr. who has had his share of injuries including two torn ACLs in two years and contemplated quitting football in college.
Michael Penix Jr.’s story is incredible 👏
2018: Tore his ACL
2019: Season-ending sternoclavicular joint injury
2020: Tore his ACL again
2021: Season-ending AC joint injuryHe considered retiring from football because of all the injuries. Instead, he transferred to Washington.… pic.twitter.com/T6Je2tcrk6
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 2, 2023
