ATLANTA — A Tampa Bay native and NFL rookie will now lead the Atlanta Falcons as the team's starting quarterback.
Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night.
“After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Penix will replace veteran Kirk Cousins, who just signed a $180 million contract with the Falcons during the offseason. Penix was then selected No. 8 overall in the NFL draft.
Before getting drafted, Penix was a standout at the collegiate level.
In 2023, Penix led all of college football with the Washington Huskies in passing yards with 4,903. He also threw 36 touchdowns that year, with three rushing touchdowns. That impressive performance led to him becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing runner-up.
He became one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class.
His success all began in the Sunshine State, though. More specifically, right here in Tampa Bay. Penix attended high school at Tampa Bay Tech in Tampa. He also attended Pasco High School in Dade City before leaving after his sophomore year.
According to MaxPreps, Penix started two seasons at Tampa Bay Tech, throwing 61 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He went 20-4 in his high school career.
In a 2019 profile on Penix, Sports Illustrated described the quarterback as a "prodigy," a "high school sensation" and "the best player in the metro Tampa area."
Penix's high school coach at Tampa Bay Tech, Jayson Roberts, told Sports Illustrated that Penix was "the best high school quarterback" that he's ever seen in his life.
From Friday night lights to the biggest stage in football, Penix will lead the Falcons at home on Sunday against the 2-12 New York Giants. The Falcons, at 7-7, remain in the playoff hunt and have a chance to go above .500 with Penix at the helm of the offense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are division rivals with the Atlanta Falcons and are currently leading the NFC South with a record of 8-6.
The Bucs have a tougher test than the Falcons this week, with a matchup on the road against the 6-8 Dallas Cowboys. A Bucs loss and a Falcons win would put the division rivals tied atop the NFC South at 8-7, pitting the hometown kid against his hometown team.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
