This week, Michael Penix Jr.’s name will be called upon to join an NFL team, one that may consider him as their future franchise quarterback.
While the 2024 NFL Draft boasts an abundance of exceptional quarterbacks expected to be taken in the first round, prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniel, and Drake Maye have garnered most of the attention. However, players like Penix, who led his team to the national title game last season, have been overshadowed despite possessing first-round caliber talent.
Aware that NFL general managers face challenging decisions this week, especially in the first round, Penix penned a personal letter to them via The Players’ Tribune, aiming to present a more comprehensive picture than his game film alone can show.
Addressing the “4 Season-Ending Injuries” Question
Penix acknowledges the dominant concern surrounding his past injuries.
“‘4 season-ending injuries in 4 years, Mike. How do I reconcile that?'” Penix’s letter begins, as if he’s the GM interviewing himself.
“Let’s get straight to it,” he continues. “Chances are this question has come up in your building. You may have even asked it yourself. Truth is, I don’t fault you for asking the question. Before I got into this pre-draft process, I always felt I’d let my tape speak for me. Anything anyone really needed to know about me is in the All-22. The tape shows it all, how our team responds to adversity, how we come together, how we execute. But as these four months have carried on I’ve realized there’s more to it than the All-22. NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS JOE ALT, BO NIX ENJOY BLACK HAWK FLIGHT OVER DETROIT WITH NATIONAL GUARD THANKS TO USAA This is a big decision. Selecting someone to lead your franchise, to wear the name on the front of the jersey with pride, and to make sure every teammate, coach, staff member, and fan can do the same. So, it’s about more than tape.”
Growing Up in Dade City, Florida: A Crucible of Adversity
Penix attributes his resilience to his upbringing in Dade City, Florida.
“We swap out summer camps for tackle football on concrete in the 95-degree heat. You find out quick if you’re built for this game or not,” he wrote. “…I’m thankful that I grew up in that environment. The reason I’m on your draft board today is because of it.”
Indiana University: A Promise Broken and a Season of Triumph
Penix began his college career at Indiana University after an initial commitment to the University of Tennessee was retracted. He credits Nick Sheridan, the Hoosiers’ quarterbacks coach, for helping him realize his potential.
“IU had 10 straight losing seasons when I got to Bloomington, one winning season since 1994,” he explained. “I knew what I was walking into, but I felt I could help turn the program around. In 2020 we became the 7th-ranked team in the country, the highest ranking the program has had since 1967.”
However, injuries plagued Penix throughout his time at Indiana, limiting him to just 21 games in four seasons.
University of Washington: A Star on the Rise
When Penix transferred to the University of Washington, where his former offensive coordinator at Indiana, Kalen DeBoar, had taken over as head coach, his popularity skyrocketed.
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I didn’t know anyone on the team, but I had to win the guys over,” Penix said about moving to Washington. “I had to convince them to stay and believe in me even though I wasn’t even named QB1. Washington was coming off a 4–8 season. 108th-ranked offense in the country. Morale was low, frustrations were high, but one thing I saw then, which everyone found out later, was the potential that building had. They needed someone to elevate the situation, help realize that potential. Within a season we became the 2nd ranked offense in college football. 11–2 record.”
The Medical Red Flag and His Resilient Spirit
Penix’s injury history is a valid medical concern, but he views it differently than most.
“Truth is, I’d be more worried if I had never been injured,” he said. “We don’t all come back the same. I can’t speak for those that have never gone through anything. But I can speak on me. I’ve seen how deep my foundation is. I know the storms I’m prepared to weather. For most people that’d be the end of their story. But there’s more to my story, and I own every page of it.
Finding a Home in Las Vegas or Minnesota?
Two teams that have shown interest in Penix in the first round are the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders.
Penix has showcased both his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Could he be the next franchise quarterback to lead one of these teams to success? Only time will tell, but his story is a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit that drives those who dare to achieve greatness.
