The Atlanta Falcons’ coaching facility buzzed with typical preseason power final summer season, amongst them, newly-signed veteran security Justin Simmons watched a sure rookie quarterback taking second-team reps.
Inside days, one thing caught his eye—one thing that made him pause and rethink all the pieces he thought he knew in regards to the workforce’s future.
That rookie was Michael Penix Jr., and now the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly handing him the keys to the franchise—even with Kirk Cousins nonetheless on the roster.
The eighth total decide who was purported to develop for 2 years is as a substitute taking middle stage simply fourteen video games into his NFL profession.
When requested about Penix not too long ago on Kay Adams’ present, Simmons revealed the precise second he grew to become a believer:
“Coaching camp. It was my third day of follow, actually third day being there. He was operating the second-team reps and going up in opposition to the second-team protection, and he had this no-look throw down the sideline proper into — it was the craziest throw I believe I’ve ever seen in particular person. I used to be like, ‘oh, no matter it’s, he has it.’ So, I’m excited to see what he does,” Simmons stated.
Star: Justin Simmons says that Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr has the “it” issue and is worked up to see what he’ll do within the NFL:
“I used to be like, ‘Oh, no matter it’s, he has it.’ So, I’m excited to see what he does.”
Penix is SPECIAL.
(through @UpAndAdamsShow)pic.twitter.com/k4tTT4brh5
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 9, 2025
The veteran defender, who selected Atlanta over New Orleans after leaving Denver, wanted simply three days to acknowledge what the Falcons’ entrance workplace noticed on draft day.
Penix’s trajectory has been outstanding to witness.
From his early days at Indiana by way of his emergence as a star at Washington, he’s persistently proven uncommon management qualities that set him other than different collegiate signal-callers.
His elite faculty efficiency raised expectations, however the NFL transition stays the last word check for any quarterback prospect.
What’s most telling is how shortly Penix received over the locker room.
In accordance with workforce sources, Simmons wasn’t alone in recognizing that particular high quality—different Falcons veterans additionally took discover throughout these early camp classes.
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