Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Penix Jr.

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Penix Jr. made an impact.

Michael Penix Jr. is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft after a successful college career. Penix initially played for the Indiana Hoosiers for three seasons, but his time was hampered by injuries. He transferred to the Washington Huskies, where he experienced a breakout year in 2022, leading the FBS in passing yards per game and breaking the school record for passing yards in a season. In 2023, he won the Maxwell Award and led the NCAA in passing yards, guiding his team to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1983: Tied NFL Draft Record

In the 2024 NFL draft, Michael Penix Jr. was one of six quarterbacks taken in the first round, tying the 1983 draft for the most in NFL history.

2018: Freshman Year and ACL Tear

In 2018, as a true freshman for the Hoosiers at Indiana, Penix played in three games, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and was redshirted.

2019: Injury-Shortened Season

In 2019, Penix was named the starter but only played in six games due to injury.

2020: Another ACL Tear

In 2020, Penix returned as the starter for Indiana, but was ruled out for the season on November 30 after suffering a torn ACL in a win against Maryland.

December 2021: Transfer to Washington

In December 2021, Penix transferred to the University of Washington.

2022: FBS Leader and Alamo Bowl

During the 2022 season, Penix led the FBS in passing yards per game and led the Huskies to an 11-2 record. He also became the Washington Huskies all-time single-season passing leader during the Alamo Bowl and was named AP Comeback Player of the Year.

2022: Breakout Year with Washington Huskies

In 2022, Michael Penix Jr. had a breakout year with the Washington Huskies. He led the FBS in yards per game and set the school season record for passing yards.

2023: Undefeated Regular Season

In 2023, Penix led the Huskies to an undefeated 13-0 regular season.

June 24, 2024: Signs with the Atlanta Falcons

On June 24, 2024, Michael Penix Jr. signed a four-year fully-guaranteed contract worth $22.8 million with the Atlanta Falcons.

2024: NFL Draft and Championship Appearance

In 2024, Michael Penix Jr. led the NCAA in passing yards en route to an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was also selected by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

2024: Championship Game and Maxwell Award

In 2024, Penix led his team to the College Football Playoff National Championship game and won the Maxwell Award. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

2024: Drafted by Atlanta Falcons and Contract

In 2024, Penix was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft and on June 24, 2024 signed a four-year fully-guaranteed contract worth $22.8 million.