Washington Huskies fans got the moment they were waiting for on Sunday afternoon when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took the field for the first time. In a full-circle moment, he got to experience his NFL debut in front of former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who now holds the same position with his adopted city’s team, the Seattle Seahawks.
Although his Atlanta Falcons lost 34-14 to Grubb’s Seahawks, Penix took seven snaps and completed his first pass in the NFL, a 14-yard gain to fellow rookie Casey Washington, and that moment wasn’t lost on the runner-up for the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
“It was kind of a surreal moment,” Penix said after the game. “It’s not the best situation we were in, with us being down, but to be able to go in and operate at a high level, it was definitely good.”
That moment also wasn’t lost on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who has watched Penix since the pair first met while working out together in the spring of 2023.
“He’s a special player,” Smith told reporters. “I think when he gets his opportunity, he’s going to be ready for it. I really believe in him. Obviously, him and Grubb have done great things together, and it was great to see them have a moment before the game. Really rooting for Mike and hoping for the best for him.”
Penix’s short-term future still feels cloudy at best due to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and his four-year, $180 million contract, but the rookie looks ready for his opportunity whenever it may arise.