Falcons' Michael Penix Jr.: 'Super Blessed' to Learn from NFL Veteran Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. says he isn't worried that his position behind veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the depth chart means he isn't projected to be a starter during his first season in the NFL.

"It's definitely going to be great," Penix told reporters Friday, per Charles Odum of the Associated Press. "I'm super blessed to be able to be right here in this position with a veteran in front of me, just learning from him and going about my business each and every day and just trying to find ways to improve and get to where he is, multiple years in the league."

Penix is participating in the team's rookie minicamp in his first official practice as a member of the Falcons.

Penix told reporters he was excited to prove to the Falcons that he can succeed in the NFL after leading college football players with 4,903 passing yards last season.

"It's something I've been dreaming of since I was a kid," Penix said, per NFL.com's Nick Shook. "And now that I'm here, I just want to continue to prove myself each and every day and show not just myself but the team that I'm here to work and here to help this team win football games any way that I can."

Penix added: "Whenever my time comes and whenever my number is called, I've just got to make sure I'm ready. I'm here now. I can't sit here and be starstruck no more. I've got to produce."

The Falcons drafted Penix with the No. 8 pick of the 2024 NFL draft after committing to Cousins with a four-year, $180 million contract the month prior.

Atlanta leadership has since reiterated that the team plans to start Cousins in 2024, giving Penix the chance to learn behind the 12-season veteran as he works toward his own starting role.