Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned to his hometown of Dade City, Florida, for a significant occasion over the weekend. A street in the town was named “Michael Penix Jr. St.” in his honor, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Penix was selected by the Falcons as the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at Indiana University and the University of Washington. Initially intended to develop under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, Penix took over as starter late in the season due to Cousins’ poor performance.
In his first three games as starting quarterback, Penix completed 58 of 100 pass attempts for 737 yards and three touchdowns. He also had seven rushes for 11 yards and one touchdown. Despite some challenges, such as three interceptions and three sacks, his performance showed potential.
Falcons quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates praised Penix’s ability to read defenses: “There’s a couple things about those three games where it’s just his ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes,” he said.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in naming Penix as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward into the 2025 season. “He’s finding his voice,” Morris stated, emphasizing that while there’s still room for growth, Penix is gaining confidence in his role.
Penix has faced adversity throughout his journey to the NFL. In an entry he wrote for The Players’ Tribune before being drafted, he discussed growing up in Dade City and attending Pasco High School before transferring to Tampa Bay Technical High School for better recruitment opportunities.
“I’m a product of Dade City, FL,” Penix wrote. He described it as a place without luxuries but full of pride rooted in football culture.
Dade City now honors its local hero with a street sign commemorating where Penix’s path to professional football began.
