Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Expects ‘Great’ Relationship With Kirk Cousins

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – When Michael Penix Jr. walked into the team’s locker room before his first practice at rookie minicamp Friday, he had his first official introduction to the player he will be mentioned alongside for the next few years .

The Atlanta Falcons’ new first-round quarterback crossed paths with Kirk Cousins, the incumbent starting signal-caller who signed a four-year, $180 million contract a month and a half before Penix was selected.

The two spoke on the phone the night Penix was drafted — a “really good conversation” that Penix said Cousins ​​initiated — but haven’t shared much interaction since. That changed Friday morning.

“What’s up dude?” » Said the cousins. “I’m glad to see you and have you here.”

“Man, I can’t wait to work with you,” Penix responded.

Cousins, 35, and Penix, 24, are at the forefront of one of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason. Atlanta, riddled with quarterback ineptitude over the past two seasons, has found its short-term answer in Cousins ​​and believes Penix can be the long-term successor.

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But the Falcons spent significant capital to do so, and now have a veteran signal-caller paired with a young passer who may be more mature — and pro-ready — than his rookie tag suggests.

Questions linger about when Penix will finally take the reins of the center. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot have each said they would be happy if Cousins ​​starts for his entire contract, as the team’s success almost certainly follows that assumption.

But in the meantime, Cousins ​​will be forced to fend off the outside pressure and burgeoning optimism surrounding Penix, adding another dynamic to the mentor-protege relationship.

Still, Penix doesn’t mind building a bond with Cousins ​​and doesn’t think it will be a challenge working alongside the four-time Pro Bowler.

“We’re on the same team,” Penix said. “It’s not difficult to approach this relationship – we have the same goals, and that is to see this team win football games. So, for me, it’s just about being able to connect with him, learn to know him not only as a player, but as a person too, I’m looking forward to that.

Penix showed off a strong left arm during his first practice as a Falcon, which took place in the morning after leading several other participants through a walkthrough to better prepare for the day.

Already appreciated by his teammates for his energy and leadership, Penix said he plans to make a statement in the locker room through his actions and, when called upon, through his words.

Penix believes preparation habits breed confidence on and off the field. Armed with a laid-back vibe and a wide smile, he’s ready to stake his claim for a place under Cousins’ wing for the foreseeable future.

“It’s really going to be awesome,” Penix said. “I’m very fortunate to be here in this position with a veteran in front of me and learn from him and go about my business, teaching every day. I’m just trying to find ways to get better and to get to where he is – several years in the league. That’s what I want.

When Penix was at Indiana University in 2019, he became the first freshman to start the season in over two decades. He had redshirted the year before, but still got a taste of playing time before suffering a torn ACL in his third appearance.

Over his six collegiate campaigns, Penix has started his final 45 appearances. There’s a chance he won’t play a regular season in the NFL in the next two or even three years.

In his role alone, Penix faces a period of adaptation. However, he is content to sit behind Cousins ​​until his moment in the sun presents itself.

“For me, it’s just about being humble and selfless,” Penix said. “Football is the ultimate team sport. If you’re on a team, you can’t get away from it at any point. I’m just trying to find ways to help the team be better, to getting better every day what it’s all about: I just have to come in and do my job.”

Penix added that he was focused on mastering the playbook in the coming weeks, a task he said went smoothly, as did his transition to the field at the IBM Performance Center.

But when Cousins ​​and the rest of Atlanta’s veterans return for the start of OTAs on Monday, Penix will find himself further down the depth chart, facing the reality of the next few years of his career.

Still, for Penix, watching others have their time in the spotlight is nothing new — and he’s focused on preparing for when it comes back to him, no matter if it’s a mid-May practice or a 3 and 10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium years later.

“I’ve been through adversity, I’ve had times where I wasn’t on the field and I was just waiting for my turn,” Penix said. “I’m back in this position, and whenever my time comes and my number is called, I just have to make sure I’m ready.”