Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. Shares Clear Opinion of Matt Ryan

The young QB is looking to lean on the veteran leadership of the team's new president of football operations.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. recently shared his positive opinion of team president Matt Ryan, the former longtime starting QB for the Falcons. Penix, who is entering his third NFL season, praised Ryan's winning pedigree and said the veteran has been "nothing but genuine" in providing resources to help Penix develop.

Why it matters

The Falcons are undergoing a leadership change, with new general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski taking over. Penix's comments suggest he is embracing Ryan's move to the front office and sees the former MVP as a valuable mentor as he tries to solidify himself as Atlanta's franchise quarterback.

The details

Penix, 24, is coming off a 2025 season in which he started just 9 games due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 11. He completed 166-of-276 passes for 1,982 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. The former Washington Husky was the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but has yet to live up to his high draft status, posting a 4-8 record as a starter so far. With a new offense under Stefanski and the veteran guidance of Ryan, Penix is hoping to help the Falcons end their 8-year playoff drought.

  • Penix recently shared his comments about Ryan on the "Up & Adams" podcast hosted by Kay Adams.

The players

Michael Penix Jr.

The 24-year-old quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, who was the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Matt Ryan

The former longtime starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, who is now the team's president of football operations after retiring as a player.

Ian Cunningham

The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“He knows how to win here. That's the biggest thing you know, he knows how to win here and he knows what it looks like... I've got a lot of respect to him and what he's done for the Falcons organization in his career.... He's never been nothing but genuine to me and just always giving me whatever resources I need.”

— Michael Penix Jr., Falcons Quarterback (Up & Adams)

What’s next

Penix is aiming to return from his torn ACL in time for Week 1 of the 2026 season, as he looks to solidify himself as the Falcons' franchise quarterback under the new coaching staff and with Ryan's veteran guidance in the front office.

The takeaway

Penix's positive comments about Ryan's leadership and mentorship suggest the young QB is embracing the Falcons' organizational changes and sees the former MVP as a valuable resource as he tries to take the next step in his career. Ryan's transition to the front office could pay dividends for the development of Penix and the Falcons' long-term future at the quarterback position.