Michael Penix Jr. inadvertently sparked some controversy with one of his answers during a press conference held earlier this week.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was asked on Wednesday who he “leans on” to help him assess his performance on the field and provide support “mentally and physically.” The reporter inquired about that person being another quarterback or perhaps one of the Falcons’ coaches.
Penix’s response suggested there was no such person for him on the Atlanta staff or QB room.
“You’re saying on the field?” Penix clarified, followed by a long pause and an exasperated sigh. “No.”
“Mentally, my fiancée she’s always there for me. I know whenever I get home, it doesn’t matter how I played, she’s always going to be there for me. She’s going to have a smile on her face, give me a hug, and make me feel good no matter what.
“As far as physically, on the field stuff, there’s not nobody I talk to as far as another quarterback or anything like that. I do have quarterback coaches, though, back at home that reach out to me as well, tell me, ‘Hey, you need to clean this up, clean that up.’ … Those guys help me.”
Fans were concerned about Penix’s response, with some even calling it an “embarrassment” for the Falcons to not surround their first-round QB with proper mentors.
Penix was asked today who he leans on to help him assess things good and bad on the field, mentally and physically.
— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) November 12, 2025
He did not mention his current HC or OC.
This is why I’ve been asking for weeks why we never see anyone talking to him on sidelines.
pic.twitter.com/fO4f7rKI1x
This is such an embarrassment for the Falcons coaching staff! . I’ve often said Quarterback is the most under coached position in sports. Penix Jr. just validates exactly why QB play overall, at most levels, is not consistent—-mechanics under duress included. The position is… https://t.co/h6SRH1xwTO
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) November 13, 2025
This is why great young QBs fail. He's literally set up for failure if this is true.
— Josh (@jml41286) November 13, 2025
Some wondered what sort of relationship Penix had with veteran backup Kirk Cousins. Cousins has been gracious to Penix at times since getting replaced as Atlanta’s QB1. But in all fairness to Cousin, he probably did not sign a huge contract with the Falcons just to guide his replacement.
What is Kirk Cousins doing?
— Scott.hiney.sol (@HineyKinScott) November 13, 2025
When asked about his relationship with Penix, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that the Washington alum is “extremely hard on himself.” Morris noted that he has to have a conversation with Penix about taking some of his mistakes in stride.
Penix has thrown for 1,807 yards with 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions across his 8 starts this season. The Falcons are 3-5 in those contests.
