The Falcons surprisingly selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't a surprise because of Penix's résumé so much as the team's $180 million signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason. After a rough 14 games to begin his Falcons career, Atlanta benched Cousins for Penix.

What a stretch it has been Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. First, it was announced he'd be taking over for veteran Kirk Cousins after the struggling starting quarterback threw one too many interceptions this season.

It's quite a time to be Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Last Sunday, the 24-year-old rookie signal-caller won his first career start against the New York Giants, 34-7, and days later, became engaged to his girlfriend, Olivia Carter.