The Heisman Trophy runner-up with the Washington Huskies last season gets his 1st NFL start with 3 games left in a playoff run.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Michael Penix Jr. as their new starting quarterback. The Falcons made the change and benched Kirk Cousins on Tuesday ahead of this Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Here are a few things to know about the Falcons’ new QB1.

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.

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. made his first NFL start in place of Kirk Cousins, and it's fair to wonder if Cousins will play another meaningful snap for Atlanta.

Two games into the Michael Penix Jr. era, it’s clear that the Atlanta Falcons are in good hands at the quarterback position.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his engagement to Olivia Carter days after his first career start. Penix Jr., 24, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the proposal set-up via Instagram on Sunday.

Penix, the former Washington Huskies standout, was named the Falcons starter in Week 16, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins, who struggled for more than a month. Penix was picked No.

Michael Penix Jr. is starting his NFL career as an engaged man. The Atlanta Falcons rookie QB who had his first NFL game against the New York Giants at home winning, 34-7, announced that he is engaged to his girlfriend Olivia Carter.