FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was surprised to find himself in the middle of a scuffle that interrupted his team’s second joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday.
After connecting with Ray-Ray McCloud III on a long touchdown pass, the second-year pro said he was “celebrating” with comments he said were delivered in response to “words” from Tennessee players.
“I like to compete at a high level, and when I compete, I don’t really do too much talking,” explained Penix, adding that “somebody” said something to him and “OK, I throw a touchdown. ‘Now what y’all talking about?'”
Penix also said his guess was that “not everybody” took his celebratory question — obviously more of a declaration — “the right way. And I think that’s all it was.”
The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder was thrown to the ground by one or more Tennessee players before ending up at the bottom of a pile. Penix — who was selected eighth overall in the 2024 draft, then took over as Atlanta’s starter for the final three games last season after veteran Kirk Cousins struggled — said it was the first time he’s been involved in an altercation like that on the field.