The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world on draft night when they selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
They made the pick about six weeks after they gave Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed.
Cousins said he didn't exactly expect his potential replacement to be selected so early in the draft, and many wondered why the Falcons were planning for the future when they have a playoff-ready team.
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Michael Penix Jr., left, and Michael Vick pose for a photo on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 8, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
It appears the Falcons are going the Green Bay Packers route, and a legendary Falcons quarterback is on board with the move.
Michael Vick praised Cousins in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, but he also knows the importance of planning for what's next.
“I think it's the right move for the future. There's no rush to get Michael Penix on the field,” Vick said. “At some point, he'll be ready. But right now, you've got a good quarterback in Kirk Cousins who can move the chains and give you a chance to win every Sunday, Monday and Thursday. I think that's all you can do.” ask. But it was very strategic of the Falcons and very smart.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) with quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training complex on May 14, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Penix recently said that he looked up to Vick as a child, and when they met recently, Vick gave him some advice.
“Being able to meet Michael Penix, it's great. Having that left-handed connection is great. We just talked about what's coming, how to be prepared. That's the most important thing for him, right now. learning how to be the best teammate for team and a consummate professional,” Vick said.
Last season, Washington's reign over the Pac-12 continued. Penix threw for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His efforts with a high-octane offense led to an appearance in the national championship, although Michigan defeated Washington.
Penix also has a history of injuries before even taking part in an NFL snap.
Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., holds a Falcons jersey during a press conference on April 26, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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He tore his right ACL twice, once in 2018 and again in 2020 with Indiana, and had a broken collarbone in 2019 and an A/C joint separation in 2021.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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