Last summer, the Atlanta Falcons’ training complex was buzzing with normal preseason enthusiasm, including freshly signed veteran safety Justin Simmons, who watched a certain rookie quarterback take second-team reps.
Within a few days, something attracted his attention, prompting him to rethink what he thought he knew about the team’s destiny.
That youngster was Michael Penix Jr., and the Atlanta Falcons are apparently giving him the keys to the franchise—despite Kirk Cousins remaining on the roster.
The eighth overall pick who was supposed to develop for two years is instead taking center stage just fourteen games into his NFL career.
When questioned about Penix recently on Kay Adams’ show, Simmons revealed the precise moment he became a believer:
“Training camp.” It was my third day of practice, and my third time being there. He was running second-team reps and facing second-team defense, and he made this no-look ball down the sideline straight into — it was the strangest play I’ve ever seen in person. I thought, ‘Oh, whatever it is, he has it.’ “So, I’m looking forward to seeing what he does,” Simmons remarked.
The veteran defense, who selected Atlanta over New Orleans after leaving Denver, only needed three days to understand what the Falcons’ executive office saw on draft day.
Penix’s trajectory has been astonishing to watch.
From his early days at Indiana to his rise to stardom at Washington, he has constantly demonstrated unusual leadership skills that distinguish him from other collegiate quarterbacks.
His outstanding college performance boosted expectations, but the NFL transition is still the ultimate test for any quarterback prospect.
What’s most telling is how swiftly Penix took over the locker room.
According to team sources, Simmons was not alone in noticing that distinct characteristic during those early camp sessions; other Falcons veterans did as well.
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