How Bralen Trice and Michael Penix Jr.’s Crossing Paths Continue in Atlanta

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. with their No. 8 overall pick. On the second day of the draft, the Falcons picked up Bralen Trice in the third round. Penix and Trice were teammates on opposite sides of the ball in Washington.

Trice: problem of an opposing quarterback.

Once the picks were made, Trice sent a short text message to his college – now NFL – teammate.

“I said, ‘It’s over, bro,’” Trice recalled. “The rest is history.”

The last time Penix and Trice were on a football field together, the two former Washington Huskies competed under the bright lights of the College Football National Championship Game.

Now, the two are teammates again, but this time as the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s a blessing to be able to see a familiar face,” Penix said after the Falcons’ rookie minicamp practice Friday.

Penix and Trice not only share a bond as college teammates, but few experiences fully understand it. Not only did they rise to the pinnacle of college football as underdogs with Washington, but they also had to collectively mourn the loss of their failure as Michigan defeated Washington 34-14 in the championship game.

“It’s good to have someone who’s been through some struggles and ups and downs this past season,” Trice said.