Penix, the former Washington Huskies standout, was named the Falcons starter in Week 16, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins, who struggled for more than a month. Penix was picked No.

Michael Penix Jr. had a lot on his plate this week. On Sunday, he made his debut as an NFL starter, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a win over the New York Giants. Later in the week, he got engaged. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday,

While Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, has led Washington all season, the Falcons tapped Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick, to be Atlanta's starter last week after the team benched veteran Kirk Cousins.

The Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

It's quite a time to be Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Last Sunday, the 24-year-old rookie signal-caller won his first career start against the New York Giants, 34-7. Days later, Penix became engaged to his girlfriend, Olivia Carter.

Michael Penix Jr. steps in as Falcons' QB, aiming to energize their playoff run after Kirk Cousins' struggles. Find out more about him here.

The Atlanta Falcons kept rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in bubble wrap during the preseason, so it'll be trial by fire against the New York Giants on Sund

Kirk Cousins is heading to the bench, and it is officially time for Michael Penix Jr. Coach Raheem Morris made the announcement on Dec. 17.

Michael Penix Jr. smiles with his girlfriend Olivia Carter ; Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons on the sidelines during a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Nov. 17,

Taking over as the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback isn't the only life milestone Michael Penix Jr. is hitting this season. Penix proposed to his