Michael Penix Jr. Excited To ‘Write Off’ Doubters, Make NFL Mark

Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. looks quietly poised to make another big impact on football—this time in the NFL. I say “quietly poised” for two reasons.

First, at the moment—and it’s only June, and weeks before training camp officially begins—the NFL’s beat writers seemed focused on other quarterbacks. Perhaps not focused, but distracted, is the right word.

One of these other quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers, was a no-show at the New York Jets’ mandatory two-day minicamp this week. Never mind that the 40-year-old, often injured Rodgers is slated to be New York’s starting QB.

The other quarterback trending is Denver Broncos rookie and Bo Nix. Penix beat the ex-Oregon star twice last season, arguably costing him the Heisman Trophy. But Nix is presently wowing the Denver press, as he tussles with veteran Russell Wilson for the Broncos’ top job.

But the other reason Penix may initially slip under NFL fans’ radar is the ex-Washington Husky’s soft-spoken, humble nature.

I spoke to Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, just before June, and in our conversations, there was no note of bravado or gushing about his many achievements. Though Penix is widely credited for taking his team to the brink of an NCAA Division I championship, he said he is now he’s focused on what’s next.