Falcons' QB Michael Penix Jr. reveals when he finally takes off durag
Context:
The Atlanta Falcons made a significant move by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal despite his recent Achilles tendon injury and age concerns. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons surprised many by selecting Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their eighth overall pick, despite his history of injuries and the team's apparent need for defensive reinforcements. Penix, known for often wearing a durag, humorously revealed that he removes it only in private settings, such as dinners with team owner Arthur Blank. Despite questions about his left-handed throwing ability, Penix secured a starting position by the season's end, marking him as a key figure in the Falcons' offensive strategy. As Penix enters his second season, there are high expectations for his performance and the team's potential return to the postseason.
Dive Deeper:
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines by signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract, a decision that raised eyebrows due to his age and recent Achilles injury, signaling the team's commitment to revamping its offensive lineup.
In an unexpected move during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. as their eighth overall pick, prioritizing a potentially risky but talented quarterback over defensive needs.
Michael Penix Jr. became a topic of intrigue not only for his potential as a left-handed quarterback but also due to his consistent wearing of a durag, which he jokingly claimed he only removes in certain private scenarios.
Despite initial skepticism, Penix was named the starting quarterback by the end of the season, indicating the team's confidence in building around his skills and leadership for their future offensive plans.
The Falcons' decisions in both free agency and the draft reflect a strategic shift aimed at long-term success, with Penix's development being central to their aspirations of making a postseason comeback.
The Atlanta Falcons made a splash in the 2024 NFL offseason, inking former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract to help turn around their franchise. Coming off a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, fans were questioning the move by the Falcons to invest so much money into a quarterback on the wrong side of 30 and dealing with a major injury. After questioning that move, fans doubled down on their questioning when it came time for the NFL Draft that year.
On the clock with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Falcons made a shocking pick when they selected Washington Huskies standout quarterback Michael Penix Jr. While many thought the team would look toward defense with their pick, the Falcons invested in another quarterback that offseason, one who also has dealt with injuries in his career.
However, the Falcons would go on to start Penix at the end of the season, solidifying their first-round pick to build around their young offensive core. While some may question Penix’s ability due to being a lefty, the main question around Penix remains: Does he ever take off his durag?
While there are pictures of Penix not wearing his durag, he’s seen more often than not wearing it. A close-fitting cap used to manage certain hairstyles, Penix finally addressed when he takes it off.
“It became a thing where everybody was like, ‘What’s under the durag? What’s under the durag?’...I was like, alright, since everybody wanna know what’s under there, I ain’t gonna show nobody. …You gotta catch me at like a dinner with Arthur Blank. Anytime I’m around Arthur Blank….I shower with it at the facility. But as soon as I get in the car, I take it off.” - Michael Penix Jr.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, Penix doesn’t take it too far when trying to keep his durag on at all times. Regardless of that, the Falcons couldn’t care less what Penix does as long as he produces on the field. Heading into his second season, expectations will be high for Penix and Atlanta as they look to return to the postseason.
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