Updated Feb. 4, 2026, 4:29 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons have a new head coach and general manager, but they haven’t made any definitive statements about the future of the quarterback position. Many expect veteran Kirk Cousins to be released, which would leave Michael Penix Jr. as the unquestioned starter in 2026.

Last season, Penix passed for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions before suffering a partially torn ACL against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. Penix has dealt with his share of injuries going back to college, and while some have labeled him as injury prone, he’s unwilling to let anyone else write his NFL story.

One thing that Penix has never been is a quitter. The former top-10 pick’s resilience was on display in his latest Instagram post.

Michael Penix Jr. posts message on social media:

As a man, you carry a lot of “pressure” each and every day. 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. Everything I’ve been through to this point made me into who I am today and I wouldn’t change a thing! I come from the mud literally, I [didn’t] get this far by mistake, I never had no handouts, my road to success was never easy and I’m still just scratching the surface. All the pain, uncertainties, not knowing what will come next, never stop me from pursuing my dreams.

I know that what God has planned for me NO man can take that away. I never needed no sympathy, I wear my heart on my sleeves proud! How can you ever be mad at me when all ever try to do is feed my family, how can you tell me I can’t do something and you don’t know what it took for me to get here? I’m a walking testimony, not too many people can say they’ve been through what I’ve been through and still have the determination to keep going. Some people might think I’m crazy or say they would’ve quit a long time ago, but that will never be me, that ain’t how I was raised. I’m forever going to stand 10 toes and show why my God is Almighty and will never put me in a situation that I can’t get through. Wherever you at right now in my story, STAY THERE! 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. — Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.

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The Falcons have yet to name their starting quarterback for 2026, but Penix has impressed those around the building, including president of football Matt Ryan, with his commitment to rehab.

“He’s already at it,” Ryan said of Penix’s rehab. “I was here yesterday morning and he was in there getting after his rehab. He’s in a good mental space and he’s doing exactly what he should be doing right now.”

Even after another devastating injury, history would suggest that writing Penix off is a bad idea.