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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris dismissed the online reaction to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s comments in a recent viral clip.
Morris suggested that the second-year interlocutor’s words were misappropriated and called the entire situation a “joke.” He added that the reaction “disappoints you” about people’s behavior on the Internet.
“I just feel bad for the kid. I don’t want him to have to deal with things that don’t matter or aren’t real,” Morris said.
During his media availability on Wednesday, Penix was asked who he trusts to help him mentally and physically. Penix mentioned his fiancée and his former coaches as the people he looks to for support.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and head coach Raheem Morris on the field during Minicamp at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on June 11, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dale Zanine/Image Images)
“Mentally, my fiancé is always there for me. So I know that when I get home, no matter how I played, she will always be there for me. She will have a smile on her face, she will give me a hug and she will make me feel good no matter what.”
Penix added: “As far as the physical, the on-field stuff, it’s not anyone I talk to like another quarterback or something. I have people that reach out to me. However, I have quarterback coaches at home that reach out to me as well.”
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Penix’s list notably excluded Morris, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. Robinson, who got his first opportunity to call plays in the NFL after shadowing Morris of the Los Angeles Rams, has come under fire this season amid the offensive ups and downs of Penix and the Falcons.
Robinson stepped 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 play-caller.
Morris urged that attention be diverted from Penix’s comments and focused on more pressing issues on the field, such as the Falcons’ problems converting on third downs this season.
“Let’s let their problems be their problems, like the third attempts. Let’s fix them. Let’s not recover [a thing] That doesn’t exist.”
On Friday, reporters asked Penix if he wanted to set the record straight about Wednesday’s news conference, but he declined.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, 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 variety of assistant coaches and Cousins as people available to help Penix.
DJ Williams, Falcons quarterbacks coach and son of NFL legend Doug Williams, said he ignored discussions about 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)
“To be honest, I don’t even pay attention to it,” Williams said. “As far as we know. I mean, everything else is just elevator music.”
Penix replaced Cousins late last season, starting 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 in eight games this season. He missed one game due to a leg injury.
The Falcons have lost their last four games. The Panthers visit Atlanta on Sunday for an NFC South showdown.
