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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris pushed back against the online backlash to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s remarks in a recent viral clip.
Morris suggested that the signal caller’s words were misused and labeled the whole situation a “joke”. He added that the backlash “fails you” about people’s internet behaviour.
“I just feel bad for the kid. I don’t want the kid to deal with things that don’t matter or things that aren’t real,” Morris said.
During his media availability Wednesday, Penix was asked who he relies on to help him mentally and physically. Penix cited his fiancee and former coaches as the people he leans on.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and head coach Raheem Morris on the field during Minicamp at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on June 11, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
“Mentally, my fiancee, she’s always there for me. So I know when I come home, it doesn’t matter how I played, she’s always going to be there for me. She’s going to put a smile on my face and give me a hug and make me feel good no matter what.”
Penix added, “As far as the physicality, on the field, it’s not anybody that I talk to as far as another quarterback or anything like that. I have people that reach out to me. I do have quarterback coaches at home that reach out to me, though.”
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Penix’s roster noticeably excluded Morris, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. Robinson, who got his first opportunity to call plays in the NFL after following Morris from the Los Angeles Rams, has come under fire this season amid Penix’s and the Falcons’ offensive ups and downs.
Robinson came down from the coaches’ booth to the sideline after Atlanta suffered a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Morris suggested the decision was made in part to help resolve communication issues between the quarterback and the play-caller.
Morris called for attention to be shifted away from Penix’s comments and onto more pressing matters on the field, such as the Falcons’ trouble converting on third downs this season.
“Let his problems be his problems, like third downs. Let’s fix them. Don’t settle [a thing] it doesn’t exist.”
On Friday, reporters asked Penix if he wanted to set the record straight about Wednesday’s press conference, but he declined.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Morris added that he and Penix took the situation in stride and even shared jokes about it during practice. He also mentioned the various assistant coaches and cousins as people available to help Penix.
DJ Williams, the Falcons quarterbacks coach and son of NFL legend Doug Williams, said he ignored discussions surrounding the viral moment.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
“I don’t even notice, to be honest with you,” Williams said. “As long as we know. I mean, everything else is just elevator music.”
Penix supplanted Cousins at the end of last season and started the final three games of his rookie season. His first season as a full-time starter has been a rollercoaster. The 25-year-old has thrown for 1,807 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions through eight games this season. He missed one game due to a lower leg injury.
The Falcons have dropped their last four games. The Panthers visit Atlanta on Sunday for an NFC South showdown.
