The Atlanta Falcons sent shockwaves through the NFL community this week by unexpectedly naming rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their new starting quarterback. The decision not only caught fans, pundits, and opposing teams by surprise, it also seemed to take Penix himself off guard. In fact, the young signal-caller found out about his promotion to the top job in one of the most unconventional ways imaginable: while grabbing a quick bite at Costco.
During a media session on Wednesday, Penix recounted the amusing circumstances under which he learned that he would be leading the Falcons for the remainder of the season.
He had been out running errands with his girlfriend, strolling through the aisles of the warehouse giant, when hunger struck. The pair decided to indulge in one of Costco’s iconic $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combos—a bargain treat beloved by many a budget-conscious shopper. Little did Penix know, he was about to receive life-altering news in the midst of his midday meal.
“I was actually shopping with my girlfriend,” Penix told reporters, according to Mary Alex Anders of FOX 5 in Atlanta. “We were at Costco. I was just about to eat a hot dog, and when I got the call, I lost my appetite right there on the spot.”
The call, of course, informed Penix that he would be stepping in as the Falcons’ starter for the final three games of the 2024 season. Few had anticipated this development, especially given the presence of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the roster.
Atlanta had only recently inked Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract that included $100 million in guaranteed money. Cousins was supposed to be the cornerstone of the offense, guiding the team deep into the postseason. Instead, the Falcons are now opting to see what their rookie passer can do—an unexpected and potentially costly pivot that will raise eyebrows across the league.
Shifting the offensive reins from a four-time Pro Bowler to an untested rookie is not a decision taken lightly. Atlanta’s front office and coaching staff will face tough questions about how they arrived at this juncture.
The financial implications alone are staggering, as moving on from Cousins would be costly. Unsurprisingly, rumors about possible trade partners for Cousins have already begun to swirl, suggesting that the Falcons’ front office might have a long-term plan in mind.
For Penix, this represents an extraordinary opportunity to prove himself on football’s biggest stage. His professional résumé is currently scant—only two appearances this season with a total of five pass attempts.
However, his collegiate track record is far more impressive. As the field general for the Washington Huskies, Penix led the team to a remarkable 14-1 record last year. His performance garnered him First Team All-American honors, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in college football during that stretch.
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While his NFL credentials are still forming, Penix’s eye for a good meal is already well established. The fact that he was enjoying Costco’s legendary hot dog combo—famous for its affordability and taste—speaks to a certain level of practicality and easygoing charm.
For Falcons fans hungry for a new era of success, there’s a certain poetry in the idea that their prospective franchise quarterback’s big moment intersected with an everyday meal at a no-frills warehouse retailer.
With only a handful of snaps under his professional belt, Penix must now navigate the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a starting NFL quarterback.
If he can deliver on the promise he showed in college, perhaps the Falcons’ bold decision will pay off.
For now, what remains etched in memory is that monumental phone call at Costco—just as he was about to take a bite of a hot dog that will no doubt forever be associated with the start of his NFL journey.
