NFL players learn that they earned a starting job in a wide variety of ways. This is true for Michael Penix Jr., who heard the news while taking part in a truly American experience.
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"I was shopping with my girlfriend. We was at Costco," Penix said on Wednesday. "I was actually getting a hot dog and whenever I got the call, I wasn't hungry no more."
So turns out, Michael Penix Jr. found out he would be #Falcons QB1 while getting a hotdog at @Costco with his girlfriend 😂🌭@FOX5Sports @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/mZ5G2ScAQ7
— Mary Alex Anders- Fox 5 Sports (@maryalexanders_) December 19, 2024
The Atlanta Falcons rookie met with media members on Dec. 18 to discuss replacing the benched Kirk Cousins. It was during this media session that he revealed he was hitting up the Costco food court.
However, he didn't provide further details about his order. Penix didn't say if he went with ketchup and mustard as the lone toppings or if he added in the Costco relish and sauerkraut. Instead, he just reiterated that he needed groceries.
Now that the Costco trip is complete, Penix will prepare for a big challenge. He will make his first start in the NFL. He will take on the New York Giants, a 2-12 team that is desperate for a win.
Adding to the difficulty of the task will be the race for the NFC South. The Falcons had the lead in the division for most of the season but they fell to second in Week 14 due to a loss to the Vikings combined with the Buccaneers beating the Raiders.
Now 7-7, the Falcons are one game back of the 8-6 Buccaneers with three games remaining in the season. It will be up to Penix to lead the offense and keep the Falcons in contention for the division crown and a spot in the playoffs.
This will be a challenge, but it is one that Penix says he is prepared to face.
"I ain't going to lie, I'm going to be nervous running out of that tunnel," he said. "But whenever I get on the field, it's a whole different mentality, a flipped switch. I'm ready to go."
