“Justin Simmons Drops Jaw-Dropping Praise for Michael Penix Jr.: What You Need to Know!”

In the whirlwind of NFL preseason, where every snap feels like a pivotal moment, something extraordinary unfolded at the Atlanta Falcons’ training facility last summer. Veteran safety Justin Simmons, fresh off his move from Denver, found himself captivated by a rookie quarterback—a certain Michael Penix Jr. Perhaps you’ve felt that little tingle when you spot raw talent; it’s like witnessing a shooting star before anyone else has noticed it. Just days into training camp, Simmons saw a glimpse of greatness, a no-look throw that made him wonder if this rookie could be the real deal. Fast forward fourteen games into Penix’s inaugural season, and it appears the Falcons are ready to hand him the keys to the franchise, despite having seasoned veteran Kirk Cousins still in the mix. What drives such a radical leap of faith in one so young? Let’s dive into the whirlwind story of Michael Penix Jr., who, in a mere blink, has gone from a developing prospect to the focal point of the Falcons’ future. Buckle up!

The Atlanta Falcons’ training facility buzzed with typical preseason energy last summer, among them, newly-signed veteran safety Justin Simmons watched a certain rookie quarterback taking second-team reps.

Within days, something caught his eye—something that made him pause and reconsider everything he thought he knew about the team’s future.

That rookie was Michael Penix Jr., and now the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly handing him the keys to the franchise—even with Kirk Cousins still on the roster.

The eighth overall pick who was supposed to develop for two years is instead taking center stage just fourteen games into his NFL career.

When asked about Penix recently on Kay Adams’ show, Simmons revealed the exact moment he became a believer:

“Training camp. It was my third day of practice, literally third day being there. He was running the second-team reps and going up against the second-team defense, and he had this no-look throw down the sideline right into — it was the craziest throw I think I’ve ever seen in person. I was like, ‘oh, whatever it is, he has it.’ So, I’m excited to see what he does,” Simmons said.

Star: Justin Simmons says that Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr has the “it” factor and is excited to see what he will do in the NFL:

"I was like, ‘Oh, whatever it is, he has it.’ So, I’m excited to see what he does.”

Penix is SPECIAL.

(via @UpAndAdamsShow)pic.twitter.com/k4tTT4brh5

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 9, 2025

The veteran defender, who chose Atlanta over New Orleans after leaving Denver, needed just three days to recognize what the Falcons’ front office saw on draft day.

Penix’s trajectory has been remarkable to witness.

From his early days at Indiana through his emergence as a star at Washington, he’s consistently shown rare leadership qualities that set him apart from other collegiate signal-callers.

His elite college performance raised expectations, but the NFL transition remains the ultimate test for any quarterback prospect.

What’s most telling is how quickly Penix won over the locker room.

According to team sources, Simmons wasn’t alone in spotting that special quality—other Falcons veterans also took notice during those early camp sessions.

The post Justin Simmons Sends A Clear Message About Michael Penix Jr. appeared first on The Cold Wire.