Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Michael Penix Jr. said offseason self-discipline is crucial; players must manage workouts and be ready for OTAs and training camp.
- Michael Penix Jr. credited talks with Matt Ryan for helping him learn pro preparation and how to stay ready.
- Preseason debut scheduled Aug 7 vs the Detroit Lions; coach Raheem Morris may hold him out until Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (WSAV) — This past offseason was a defining moment for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The No. 8 overall pick from the 2024 draft was deemed the starter after the Falcons finished last season with an overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Penix starting for the Falcons will not be completely brand new. Last year, as a rookie, he started the final three games of the regular season while Atlanta was in the hunt for a wild-card playoff spot. In those three starts, the team went 1-2 with both losses coming in overtime.
After the final game, Penix said he did not know the specifics of his offseason regimen. However, he defined it as extremely important to his development as a quarterback. Tuesday afternoon, he shared insight into how he prepared to be the first-string quarterback.
“In colleges, everything was always on the schedule,” Penix Jr. said. “Your offseason program was on a schedule. You know, you had to be in. You had these workouts, but now it’s like, whenever the offseason comes around, it’s on you. You got to know how to be a pro, you got to know when you need to work out, and the things that you need to do so that whenever you do come back for OTAs and stuff like that you’re ready.
“That’s the biggest thing that I learned this offseason. I know it’s been out there that I had talks with [former Falcons quarterback] Matt Ryan. Just to know how he did his offseason, some different things that he did to help him stay ready whenever camp and stuff rolled around.”
The first time Falcons’ fans could see Penix Jr will be Friday, Aug. 7 at home against the Detriot Lions in preseason action. However, judging how head coach Raheem Morris treated Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix last preseason, he will probably hold his starter out until Week 1, which is a home game against division rival Tampa Bay.
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