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Michael Penix Jr. is now the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and he’s making sure we all respect him.
Penix is not new to fans heckling as he has played in some of the biggest stages in his collegiate career. However this certain incident gave him reason to pause, as he faced a fan who he called him outside of his name.
Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new Falcons starting quarterback…
Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new Falcons starting quarterback reveals where he was when he found out about the promotion.
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Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
After Atlanta’s preseason win to the Dallas Cowboys, an opposing Cowboys fan echoed the mocking mispronunciation of Penix’s name that caught the quarterback’s attention.
Penix, walking off the field, stopped in his tracks and turned back with a simple but pointed question to the fan and said , “Whatchu call me?” The fan backpedaled quickly.
Video of the exchange went viral in no time, reminding fans that even in the age of social media humor, there is a fine line between jokes and respect.
Read more: Cleveland Browns Will Keep 4 Quarterbacks, GM Andrew Berry Calls It a ‘Valuable Opportunity
Jokes about the quarterback’s name have trailed him since his days at Washington. Earlier this month a TV gaffe didn’t help, with a Georgia station turning his name into a part of the male body on screen. It was an unfortunate typo that spread all across social media.
The second year signal caller’s brief, yet pointed, reaction spoke volumes. He is not here for disrespect, even if it comes wrapped in a punchline. It may not be the kind of headline a quarterback wants, but it still sent a message.
Penix made it very clear you will respect him and he’s not messing around when it comes to that.
For more on the Cleveland Browns and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports