Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a tense exchange with a heckling fan on Friday after the team’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Penix, dressed in street clothes and not playing in the game, was walking toward the locker room when a fan shouted his name incorrectly, calling him “Michael Penis.” In a video circulating on social media, Penix stopped briefly, turned toward the fan, and shot back: “What’d you call me?” before correcting the mispronunciation.
The incident lasted only a few seconds but came with added sting, as a TV station earlier this month had mistakenly referred to him the same way in an on-air graphic — a gaffe that quickly went viral online.
Penix, drafted No. 8 overall by Atlanta in 2024, started his rookie year behind veteran Kirk Cousins but eventually moved into the starting role. He finished the season with 775 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in five games, posting a 1-2 record as a starter.
The 24-year-old is expected to open the 2025 season as the Falcons’ primary quarterback, leading an offense that features playmakers Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and Drake London.
On Friday, with Penix sitting out, backup Easton Stick took most of the snaps against Dallas, throwing for 198 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Cowboys won the matchup 31-13.