In the midst of a joint training session, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was involved in an altercation with the Tennessee Titans. The incident occurred after a play that culminated in a long pass completed to Ray-Ray McCloud III. After the play, there was an exchange of words between Penix and the Titans’ defenders, which escalated into physical contact. Players from both teams ran to the scene, and Penix ended up in the middle of a scuffle, apparently knocked to the ground.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London had to be separated from the fight by his teammates. McCloud and several 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 he was out there somewhere. But he wasn’t the only one.
Michael Penix Jr.
Penix suffered no injuries in the altercation and returned for the next series. The tension rose again on the next play, with Falcons offensive linemen Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom involved in another dispute with the Titans. A new confrontation occurred shortly after on the adjacent field, where Atlanta’s defense was facing Tennessee’s offense.I’m glad they did it, because obviously that’s not something we want to do in practice. We want to do all the reps, do a good job. But it was how it was. But to see the team have my back and be there, making sure to 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.
Falcons quarterbacks coach DJ Williams admitted his initial reaction to Penix’s situation was “absolute” panic. Williams highlighted Penix’s competitiveness, but emphasized the quarterback’s need to understand his role as the “CEO” of the offense, avoiding risking his physical integrity.He started it on that, on Team 1. 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 described having a kind of “blackout” at the time. He joked that it was “someone else” who acted. He explained that the situation arose after throwing a touchdown pass, which generated comments that were not well received by everyone. Penix added that he comes from an environment where respect is fundamental, and that while competition is intense, disrespect is unacceptable.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 a good thing for the Falcons.
DJ Williams, Falcons quarterbacks coach
