The Atlanta Falcons’ rookie quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is set to make his starting debut this Sunday, having already appeared in two games this season. Penix, known for his composure on and off the field, showed only a hint of his excitement during his first press conference as the Falcons’ starting quarterback on Wednesday evening. His calm demeanor carried through the 15-minute Q&A session. However, a laugh slipped out when he shared a lighthearted moment—he was in line for a hot dog at Costco when Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson called to deliver the news of his promotion.
In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about Michael Penix Jr., from his journey to the NFL and career stats to insights into his personal life, measurements, and net worth. Read on to learn more about this rising star in football!
Michael Penix Jr. Biography
Michael Penix Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Born on May 8, 2000, in Cookeville, Tennessee, he later moved to Tampa, Florida, where he attended Tampa Bay Technical High School.
Penix began his collegiate career at Indiana University (2018–2021), where injuries marred his time. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to the University of Washington in 2022. He had a breakout season there, leading the FBS in passing yards per game and setting a school record for single-season passing yards. His stellar performance continued into 2023, earning him the Maxwell Award and a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, culminating in an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected Penix eighth overall. Initially serving as a backup to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, Penix was named the starting quarterback in December 2024 after a series of underwhelming performances by Cousins. This decision was influenced by Cousins’ struggles, including eight interceptions without a touchdown over four games, prompting the Falcons to turn to Penix to rejuvenate their offense.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 216 pounds, Penix is known for his strong arm and resilience, having overcome multiple injuries during his college career. His promotion to starting quarterback marks a significant milestone in his professional journey, with fans and analysts eager to see how he leads the Falcons’ offense in the upcoming games.
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Here is a complete bio of Michael Penix Jr. in a table format:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Penix Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Cookeville, Tennessee, USA |
| High School | Tampa Bay Technical High School, Tampa, Florida |
| College Career | – Indiana University (2018–2021) |
| – University of Washington (2022–2023) | |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 216 pounds (98 kg) |
| NFL Team | Atlanta Falcons |
| NFL Draft | Selected 8th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft |
| Notable College Achievements | – Led FBS in passing yards per game (2022) |
| – Set University of Washington’s single-season passing yards record | |
| – Maxwell Award Winner (2023) | |
| – Heisman Trophy Finalist (2023) | |
| – Led Washington to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship | |
| NFL Career | – Backup QB for Kirk Cousins at Atlanta Falcons (2024) |
| – Promoted to starting quarterback in December 2024 | |
| Key Strengths | Strong arm, resilience, leadership, and ability to overcome adversity |
| Injury History | Suffered multiple injuries during his time at Indiana University but rebounded strongly at Washington |
| Family | Father: Michael Penix Sr. |
| Social Media | Active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter |
Michael Penix Jr.’s Measurements
Let’s break down quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s physical attributes. These measurements give us a good idea of his tools on the football field.
First up is height. Penix stands at 6 feet 2 inches, which translates to 188 centimeters. This is a good height for a quarterback, allowing him to see over the offensive line and make accurate throws downfield.
Next, we have his weight, listed at 216 pounds, or 98 kilograms. This weight suggests a sturdy build, allowing him to withstand hits from opposing defenders.
Now, let’s discuss some measurements that are particularly important for quarterbacks: hand size, arm length, and wingspan. Penix’s hand size is approximately 9 1/2 inches. A larger hand can help grip the football, especially in wet conditions. His arm length is approximately 32 inches, and his wingspan is around 77 inches. These measurements contribute to his throwing ability, allowing him to generate power and make accurate throws to all areas of the field.
Here’s a table detailing Michael Penix Jr.’s measurements:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 216 pounds (98 kg) |
| Hand Size | 9 1/2 inches (approx.) |
| Arm Length | 32 inches (approx.) |
| Wingspan | 77 inches (approx.) |
These measurements are standard metrics for evaluating quarterbacks in the NFL.
Michael Penix Jr. Net Worth
As of December 2024, Michael Penix Jr. has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.2 million.
Sources of Income:
- NFL Contract: After being selected 8th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix signed a four-year contract worth nearly $23 million, which includes a signing bonus of approximately $13.5 million.
- NIL Deals: During his collegiate career, Penix secured several Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, with an estimated annual value of $1 million. These endorsements included partnerships with brands such as Montlake Futures, Husky Throwbacks, and Simply Seattle.
Penix’s net worth is expected to increase significantly in the coming years with his transition to the NFL and the substantial earnings from his rookie contract. His on-field performance, potential contract extensions, and future endorsement opportunities will influence his financial trajectory.
Please note that net worth estimates can vary and may not fully capture all aspects of an individual’s financial situation.
Michael Penix Jr. Stats
As of December 19, 2024, Michael Penix Jr. has played in two games for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 NFL season.
In these appearances, he has completed 3 of 5 pass attempts, resulting in 38 passing yards.
This equates to a completion percentage of 60.0% and an average of 7.6 yards per attempt.
He has not recorded any touchdowns or interceptions, and his passer rating is 83.8.
These statistics reflect limited playing time, as Penix served primarily as a backup quarterback before being named the starter on December 17, 2024.
His first start is anticipated in the upcoming Week 16 game against the New York Giants.
Please note that player statistics are subject to change as the season progresses.
Who is Michael Penix Jr.’s Girlfriend?
Michael Penix Jr., the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is in a committed relationship with Olivia Carter. The couple’s relationship became public in 2023, with Carter frequently sharing supportive messages and photos of them on her Instagram account.
Olivia Carter is a former collegiate soccer player who played at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Before university, she was a multi-sport athlete at Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, Washington, excelling in soccer, basketball, and track.
The couple has been open about their relationship, often sharing moments from their lives on social media. For instance, during the 2024 NFL Draft, Carter accompanied Penix, and their appearance garnered media attention.
In August 2024, reports surfaced that Penix and Carter had taken their relationship to the next level by getting married in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.
