Michael Penix Jr. Involved in Confrontation During Joint Practice
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was involved in a physical altercation during a joint practice against the Tennessee Titans. After completing a long pass to receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, Penix and the Titans’ defenders exchanged words, which escalated to a physical confrontation. Players from both teams joined in from the sidelines. Penix ended up in the middle of the fracas, apparently being knocked to the turf.Falcons wide receiver Drake London had to be separated from the fight by his teammates. McCloud and other Falcons players came to Penix’s aid.I don’t know where I was in that. There were a lot of people. I knew I was there somewhere. But I wasn’t the only one.
Michael Penix Jr.
Penix suffered no injuries in the incident and returned for the next series. Tensions flared again on the next play, with Falcons offensive linemen Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom involved in another dispute with the Titans. There was another altercation shortly after on the adjacent field, where the Falcons defense was facing the Titans offense.I’m glad they did it, because obviously that’s not something we want to be doing in practice. We want to get all the reps, do a good job. But it happened as it happened. Seeing the team have my back and being there, making sure they protect me. A lot of guys asked me if I was okay, and it was good to know those guys had my back.
Michael Penix Jr.
When asked if his immediate reaction to Penix’s situation was panic, Falcons quarterbacks coach DJ Williams responded yes. Williams commented that Penix is competitive and has always told him that he is a football player first. However, Williams added that Penix must realize that he is the “CEO” of the offense and must run the show. He cannot risk his body in such a situation.[Penix] started it on that, on Team One. But again, those guys in Atlanta, they protected the quarterback, which they were supposed to do. The offensive line came in, did what it did and we didn’t allow it, but that’s what they were supposed to do.
Arden Key, Titans Linebacker
Penix admitted that he “turned off” and joked that it was “someone else” who was there. He explained that he generally doesn’t talk much until someone says something to him, and then he might respond. He said he believes the situation was because not everyone understood his attitude. He concluded by saying that there is an element of respect in the game and that when disrespect arises, the situation changes.Obviously, you don’t want that, but I take something positive from it. As they saw the guys defend him and I think that speaks to his leadership and who he is in that locker room. Obviously, as coaches, we’re up, they’re down. We don’t really see much, but he obviously has a relationship and the trust of the guys because they all ran to his defense. So I think that’s good for the Falcons.
DJ Williams, Falcons Quarterbacks Coach
