As Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recovers from his partially torn ACL, he’s receiving some sound advice from former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
Some would say Penix has underperformed as the Falcons quarterback.
“Penix still has a long way to touch Vick’s status.” Dan Fappiano wrote in a ClutchPoints article. Over his two years in Atlanta, he has gone 4-8 as a starter. Overall, Penix has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. He has a rushing touchdown each season but just 81 yards on the ground.”
What Did Michael Vick Say to Penix?
While Penix recovers from his ACL injury, he has received some advice from Michael Vick. Penix revealed the encouraging words from one of the quarterbacks he looked up to.
“Mike just said, just continue to be myself,” Penix said in the ClutchPoints article. “He also said that whenever we’re winning in Atlanta, the city is going to be behind us, the fan base is going to be behind us, and we’ve got to get back to that. I’ve got to find a way to make sure I do that.”
According to an RG article by DJ Siddiqi, Penix speaking to Vick meant a lot to the current Atlanta Falcons quarterback.
“For Penix, getting to speak with Vick is a big deal. Alongside Teddy Bridgewater, he’s one of the quarterbacks the now Falcons starter truly admired watching play.” Fappiano wrote.
“I looked up to Mike Vick when I was young,” Penix said in the RG article. “When I was really young, I looked up to him when he was playing, always had the big cleats. When I got older, I looked up to and really liked Teddy Bridgewater. I liked what he was doing at Louisville. I feel like he was balling at Louisville. We kind of had similar games. We’re passers that can run the ball whenever needed. But he definitely was lighting it up at Louisville, and I enjoyed watching him play.”
Penix’s ability and potential has never been questioned. He has shown flashes of being who he was at the University of Washington. Even new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski made compliments regarding Penix’s ability.
“I’m just excited about the physical gifts,” Stefanski said during his introductory press conference. “What’s most important right now for Michael is to get healthy. He knows that, and we’ll get to football here shortly, but he’s attacking his rehab. I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, and can push the ball to all areas of the field.”
Michael Penix Jr. Injury Update
Penix suffered his latest ACL injury after taking a sack in the third quarter of a Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 16.
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Before Michael Penix Jr. went down, he completed 60.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,982 yards during the 2025 season. He had nine total touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Penix entered the 2025 campaign as Atlanta’s starter, beating out Kirk Cousins, and went on to start nine games.
Penix is now anticipated to return by Week 1 of the 2026 season.
“Once over his injury, the Falcons will look for Penix to develop into their franchise quarterback. Vick believes that he has the potential. To do so, Penix must find his stride and get the city of Atlanta behind him fully.” Fappiano wrote.
Atlanta Falcons Legend Gives Wise Advice to Michael Penix Jr.