Rookie QB Shares Strong Bond with Veteran Cousins, Focused on Team Success
When the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it came as a surprise to many—especially to the incumbent starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins. The Falcons didn’t inform Cousins about their decision until the draft was officially underway, sparking questions about how the two quarterbacks would coexist. Despite the sudden change, Penix and Cousins have developed a strong and productive relationship, both on and off the field, focused entirely on the Falcons’ success.
A Strong, Collaborative Dynamic
For Penix, there’s no tension between him and Cousins, despite the uncertain nature of his future in Atlanta. The rookie quarterback has embraced his role with a mindset of learning and preparation, understanding that his time may come sooner than expected.
“It’s been great,” Penix shared with SportsCasting’s DJ Siddiqi. “Just a lot of learning and developing each and every day. Just trying to be ready each and every day, because you never know when my number will be called. I stay ready.”
Penix’s calm and professional approach to the situation speaks volumes about his maturity. Rather than focusing on the surprise of being drafted by a team that already had a starting quarterback, he chose to adopt a mindset of readiness, understanding that his role is to learn from Cousins and grow in the process.
A Focus on Winning, Not the Past
Interestingly, Penix and Cousins didn’t spend much time discussing the draft itself. After all, it was a situation neither player could control, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Cousins’ new four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta. Instead, they quickly shifted their focus to what truly matters: helping the Falcons win games.
“Our conversations are all ball—things that will help our team win football games,” Penix explained. “He’s been a great person in the quarterback room. Anytime I have a question, he has answers, he asks me questions, and I’ll have answers. We work together.”
This collaboration in the quarterback room has become a crucial element of the Falcons’ offense, as both quarterbacks, despite their differing roles, share a common goal: to contribute to the success of the team. For Penix, it’s about absorbing as much knowledge as possible while waiting for his opportunity.
Penix’s Path to Growth
Penix has seen limited action in his rookie season, appearing in two games in a backup role. His time on the field has been brief—just three completions for 38 yards in mop-up duty. However, it’s in practice where Penix is truly honing his skills.
“He’s doing a great job,” Cousins remarked after the Falcons’ loss to the Denver Broncos. “A hard worker, and our quarterback room has always been working together from Day 1 to help each other grow. Not just one person, but all trying to get better every single day together.”
For Penix, much of his learning comes from “mental reps,” as he works primarily with the scout team offense in practice. But despite the limited on-field action, he approaches every day with the mindset of a starter, determined to be ready when his number is called.
Looking Ahead: A Positive Future
While Penix’s long-term role with the Falcons remains clear—he is viewed as the successor to Cousins—the rookie quarterback remains focused on the present. He is not concerned about his eventual transition into a starting role, knowing that time and preparation will prepare him for that moment when it arrives.
“I felt like where I landed is where I deserve to land,” Penix reflected. “God put me here for a reason, and I’m super blessed for it.”
This positive attitude and commitment to the team, alongside his strong relationship with Cousins, sets the foundation for what could be a bright future for both quarterbacks and the Falcons. For now, Penix’s goal is simple: stay ready, learn as much as possible, and help the team win.
As the Falcons look toward the future, the relationship between Penix and Cousins could prove to be one of the most important factors in Atlanta’s success—both now and in the years to come.
