Michael Penix Jr.

Player Information

Michael Tarrence Penix Jr. is an American professional football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). After three seasons of college football with the Indiana Hoosiers that were limited by injury, Penix had a breakout year with the Washington Huskies in 2022 when he led the FBS in yards per game and set the school season record for passing yards. The following year, he won the Maxwell Award after leading the NCAA in passing yards en route to an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Full Name :
Michael Tarrence Penix Jr.
Birthdate :
8 May 2000
Birthplace :
Cookeville, Tennessee, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
191
Weight (kg) :
100
Residence :
Dade City, Florida, USA
Nationality :
United States
Status :
Engaged
Partner :
Olivia Carter
Education :
Tampa Bay Technical High School (High School), Indiana University (College), University of Washington (University)
Career Started :
2024
Notable Achievements :
Maxwell Award (2023), AP Comeback Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-American (2023), NCAA passing yards leader (2023), Second-team All-Pac-12 (2022, 2023), Second-team All-Big Ten (2020)
Current Team :
Atlanta Falcons
Drafted :
2024
Drafted by :
Atlanta Falcons
Active Status :
From - 2024, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2027, Salary $22.8 million USD

Biography

Michael Penix Jr. is an emerging quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons, having been drafted 8th overall in 2024. He excelled in high school, recording impressive statistics and earning accolades such as Hillsborough County Player of the Year. At Washington, he completed a perfect season with a 13-0 record and received the prestigious Maxwell Award. With a promising rookie season in the NFL, he has the potential for considerable future success. Further insights on his path await.

Early Life

Michael Penix Jr. had an impressive early life characterized by notable achievements in sports.

During his high school years at Tampa Bay Vocational High School in Florida, he distinguished himself as a talented quarterback, amassing 61 touchdowns and only six interceptions over two years as a starter. His senior year was particularly remarkable, where he recorded 2,165 passing yards, 30 touchdown passes, and 10 rushing touchdowns.

For his outstanding performance on the field, he was honored as the Hillsborough County Player of the Year in 2018 and earned a spot on the Tampa Bay Times All-Hillsborough County Team in 2017.

Beyond football, Penix illustrated his athletic versatility by also participating in baseball and track, highlighting his diverse talents during his formative years.

Family Life

Michael Penix Jr. comes from a supportive family, with his parents, Michael Sr. and Takisha Penix, playing crucial roles in his athletic and educational path.

Their encouragement and guidance were instrumental in his achievements, including being named Hillsborough County Player of the Year in 2018.

Penix has consistently expressed gratitude for his family’s influence, acknowledging them as an essential source of inspiration in his development both as a player and as an individual.

Their steadfast support has been a cornerstone of his success throughout his career.

Career

Michael Penix Jr. was selected 8th in total by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft, following an exceptional college career that culminated in a standout final season at Washington.

He led his team to a perfect 13-0 record and was honored with the Maxwell Award for his performance.

In his rookie NFL season, Penix exhibited his potential with impressive outings, including a game where he threw for 312 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers.

Over his initial five games, he completed 58.1% of his passes, amassing 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, highlighting his ability to compete at the professional level.

Net Worth

As of October 2023, Michael Penix Jr.’s net worth is estimated at $3 million, primarily derived from his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons, which is valued at $18 million over four years, including a signing bonus of $5 million.

His college football success, highlighted by accolades such as the Maxwell Award and a runner-up finish in the Heisman Trophy voting, has considerably enhanced his marketability and potential for endorsement deals.

Furthermore, the financial implications of his promising start in the NFL may lead to increased earnings through performance incentives and future contract negotiations.