Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was taken aback by a scuffle with the Tennessee Titans during a joint practice on Wednesday, revealing a hidden side of his personality. In the heat of the moment, after connecting on a deep touchdown pass, Penix said he had some parting words to the Titans sideline but couldn’t remember what they were.
The exchange sparked a chain reaction of shoving and pushing between players from both teams, with several helmets being ripped off. Coaches intervened, but emotions remained high until tensions finally subsided after a fruitful drive by the Falcons’ second team.
Falcons quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams praised Penix’s fire and passion but cautioned that emotions can run high in football. “We’re playing a competitive sport,” he said. “You have to come back down and understand that you have to operate the offense.”
Penix himself was surprised by his outburst, saying he is normally calm and collected. However, he believes his youth, passion, and competitive drive were on full display in that moment. “I’m from Tampa,” he explained. “Dade City.” It seems this 1% of Penix’s personality may be bigger than anyone initially thought.
Source: https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/michael-penix-jr-shows-a-different-side-of-himself-as-intensity-flairs-during-joint-practice