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 an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. After playing college football at Indiana, his career took off at Washington in 2022, leading the FBS in yards per game and setting a school record for passing yards. In 2023, he won the Maxwell Award and led the NCAA in passing yards, culminating in a national championship appearance. Penix was drafted eighth overall by the Falcons in the 2024 NFL draft.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2021: Transferred to University of Washington

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

2022: FBS Leader in Passing Yards

During the 2022 season, Michael Penix Jr. was the FBS leader in passing yards per game (357) and led the Washington 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, leading the FBS in yards per game and setting the school season record for passing yards.

2023: Undefeated Regular Season

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

June 24, 2024: Penix Signed Contract

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

2024: National Championship Game Appearance

In 2024, Michael Penix Jr. led the Huskies to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they lost to Michigan. He won the Maxwell Award and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting. He also led the NCAA in passing yards with 4,903, breaking his previously set University of Washington single-season passing yards record.

2024: Drafted by Atlanta Falcons

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

2024: Signed with the Atlanta Falcons

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