Michael Penix Jr. Faces Mispronunciation from Fans

Michael Penix Jr., the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, expressed his frustration after fans incorrectly pronounced his name as he was returning to the locker room on Friday. He was dressed casually since the team did not play in its final preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

A video surfaced on social media showing fans calling out “Michael Penis” while he walked by. Penix paused to address the crowd, clarifying that was not his name.

“What were you calling me?” he asked, clearly annoyed by the mix-up. This incident followed a previous mistake by a TV station that mistakenly referred to him in the same way. The mispronunciation has become somewhat of a buzz on social media platforms.

Penix was the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He began his rookie season as a backup to Kirk Cousins but managed to secure a starting position later on.

In his stint last season, he tallied 775 passing yards over five games, racking up three touchdown passes and three interceptions, with a record of 1-2 as a starter.

Heading into the 2025 season, he is expected to take on the starting role, supported by players like Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and Drake London.

During the game against the Cowboys, Easton Stick primarily took the snaps, achieving 198 yards with a touchdown and an interception, though Dallas ultimately won the game 31-13.