Michael Penix Jr. earned his shot at the Atlanta Falcons’ starting job last season when the team turned to him out of desperation. But the rookie didn’t flinch. In a recent sit-down with former Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, Penix said he spent most of his first year locked in on the sideline, staying engaged and ready for the call.
According to the Falcons’ YouTube channel, Penix Jr. appears focused on pushing Falcons back into playoff contention.
“Postseason. Gotta get to the postseason,” said the young Falcons quarterback. “(Falcons fans) get rocking when we’re winning, so definitely want to get back to that. Winning football games, so we can have the city turnt.”
Michael Penix Jr. leading the Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. enters the year as the unquestioned leader under center—and he believes last season’s experience has him better prepared for the role.
“It was a lot of, like, mental stuff that you take away from it. Obviously, you can’t be in the game, but sitting on the sideline, playing the game in my head as best (as) I can, because obviously you can’t simulate the pressure and stuff like that. Just things like who I would throw it to in those situations, it just gave me a lot of confidence going in whenever I got in.” Penix told Vick in the interview.
Penix handled his opportunity with confidence, completing 61 of 105 passes for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions across five games, including three starts. While the stats weren’t flashy, the film revealed a quarterback with strong arm talent and the ability to create plays. He gave Atlanta’s offense a noticeable boost compared to Kirk Cousins, who struggled before Penix stepped in.
The Falcons only came away with one win in those three starts, but the team saw enough to move forward with Penix as the starter for 2025. The decision at least quiets any lingering uncertainty heading into training camp, though it offers no promise of long-term success.
Penix knows the pressure is on him and told Vick that his path to winning starts with building strong relationships in the locker room.
“I’m not always that big, vocal guy. But I’m going to understand my players,” he said.
