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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has taken issue with the online backlash to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s remarks in a recent viral clip.
Morris suggested the second-year signal-caller’s words were misappropriated and called the whole situation a “joke.” He added that negative reactions “disappoint you” about people’s behavior online.
“I just feel bad for the kid. I don’t want him to have to deal with things that don’t matter or things that aren’t real,” Morris said.
During his press briefing Wednesday, Penix was asked who he relies on to help him mentally and physically. Penix mentioned his fiancée and his 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 the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta practice field June 11, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
“Mentally, my fiancée, she’s always there for me. So I know that every time I come home, no matter how I played, she’ll always be there for me. She’ll have a smile on her face, give me a hug and make me feel good no matter what.”
Penix added: “As far as physically, on the field, I don’t talk to anyone, whether it’s another quarterback or anything like that. People contact me. I have quarterback coaches, though, back home who contact me as well.”
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Penix’s list conspicuously 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 to the Los Angeles Rams, has been criticized this season amid the offensive ups and downs of Penix and the Falcons.
Robinson walked 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 signal-caller.
Morris urged shifting attention away from Penix’s comments and focusing on more pressing issues on the field, such as the Falcons’ problems converting on third downs this season.
“Let his problems be his problems, like third downs. Let’s fix them. Don’t make up [a thing] It doesn’t exist.”
Penix was asked by reporters on Friday if he wanted to set the record straight regarding Wednesday’s press 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 calmly 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 the chatter 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 pay attention to it, to be honest with you,” Williams said. “As far as we know. I mean, everything else is just elevator music.”
Penix supplanted Cousins late last season, starting the final three games of his rookie season. His first season as a full-time starter was a rollercoaster. The 25-year-old has totaled 1,807 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games this season. He missed one game with a lower leg injury.
The Falcons have lost their last four games. The Panthers travel to Atlanta on Sunday for an NFC South showdown.
