Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has a last name that people often mispronounce. Sometimes people do it by accident, but most of the time, they do it as a way to mock the former top-10 pick. The latter happened during Friday’s preseason matchup between the Falcons and Cowboys at AT&T Stadium
A Cowboys fan mocked Penix’s last name while the quarterback made his way to the locker room. Penix didn’t appreciate the comment, and wasn’t going to let the fan disrespect his name.
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“What’d you call me?” Penix asked the fan before showing him the correct way to say his name. The moment was caught on video and Falcons fans couldn’t get enough.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. checks Cowboys fan
Penix’s mother also chimed in, wagging her finger at the level of immaturity from the fan on social media.
All jokes and comments aside, Penix will enter the 2025 season as the undisputed starter for the Falcons as the team begins a new era of football. The second-year quarterback is set to lead what should be an explosive offense, featuring playmakers like Drake London and Bijan Robinson.
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When assuming the reins last season, Penix tallied 775 passing yards, three touchdown passes and three interceptions in five games. It will be interesting to see how he builds upon that when Atlanta opens the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Check out our final 53-man roster projection as the team prepares for Tuesday’s cut deadline.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Michael Penix Jr. calls out Cowboys fan for mocking his last name