Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. Talks Michael Vick Connection; QB Texted Him After Draft

When discussing the similarities between himself and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on Friday, Michael Penix Jr. brought up his admiration for the former four-time Pro Bowl signal-caller.

"I definitely watched him," Penix said. "He was my favorite quarterback. I had the Vick cleats and all when I was a kid, so yeah. He did great things here, obviously. I keep in contact with him now. He's been a guy that I can reach out to whenever. He actually sent me a text congratulating me this morning."

Penix was selected by the Falcons with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft on Thursday. While he shares the same first name as Vick, the former Washington quarterback is also left-handed. Both players were taken by Atlanta in the top 10 of their respective drafts, as Vick was the No. 1 overall pick in 2001.

Although Penix doesn't have the same dual-threat capabilities as the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year, he showcased his arm strength throughout his dominant senior campaign with the Huskies. In 15 games, he completed 65.4 percent of his throws for 4,903 yards while racking up 36 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

While his talent is undeniable, the Falcons' decision to draft him was a bit confusing. He'll be 24 years old at the start of the 2024 season, although he's expected to spend his rookie year on the bench after Atlanta signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million in free agency. Cousins' deal also includes $100 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.

Still, Falcons fans should be excited that Penix already has an established connection with the quarterback that ranks No. 5 on the organization's all-time passing yards list.