Atlanta Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan added some clarity regarding Michael Penix Jr.’s status as the team’s starting quarterback in 2026.
During Ian Cunningham’s introductory press conference, Ryan was asked if Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will be the starter when he returns.
“Neither of us are the head coach of the football team, so we can’t answer your question on that,” Ryan said. “I think as we start to get into this process and dive deeper into the roster — how it currently stands, where it’s going in the future — I think those are conversations that’ll be a part of it.”
“Quarterback’s obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab. I’ve been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael’s been in there attacking that and he’s in a good space right now, so we’re excited about where he is at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
Matt Ryan Is High on Penix Jr.
During a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Ryan wanted to clarify what he said during the press conference.
Matt Ryan addressing the false narrative that he isn’t committed to Michael Penix Jr.
“I’m high on Michael Penix. I have been for a long time,” Ryan said. “His ability to throw the football, his ability to layer the football, to drive it to all different parts of the field. I think Mike’s awesome. I think he’s done a great job with his rehab.”
“What I’m making clear is I’m not the head coach of the football team. And I know what my role is and what my role is not. Kevin’s responsibility is to be the head coach of the football team and he’s going to let you know who our starters are and who our starters are not. It’s not my place to go in there.”
Penix completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards in nine games last season with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. The Atlanta Falcons were 3-6 in his starts.
Over his two years in Atlanta, Penix has gone 4-8 as a starter. Overall, Penix has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Michael Penix Jr. On Facing Pressure
After Ryan made his comments during the introductory press conference, Penix made an Instagram post about facing pressure and overcoming it.
Despite all the uncertainty, Penix is still motivated.
“As a man, you carry a lot of ‘pressure’ each and every day,” Penix wrote in the caption of the post. “Pressure to provide for your family, pressure to succeed in everything you do in life, pressure of letting everybody around you down. But one thing I never did and never will do is fold in the face of it.”
“Wherever you at right now in my story, STAY THERE!” Penix added. “I never needed motivation or a pat on the back! All I ever needed was an opportunity and as long as I got breath, I got that! The turtle race continues… Year 2.”
Penix is still recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn left ACL, which he suffered last November. Penix suffered his injury after taking a sack in the third quarter of a Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers.
DeonTay Smith is a journalist who covers the NFL for Heavy.com with a focus on the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and the Baltimore Ravens. A graduate from Methodist University, Smith also covers local news for the Panama City News Herald and hosts his own YouTube podcast. More about DeonTay Smith
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