Michael Penix Jr. Learned of Falcons' QB Decision While in Line for Costco Hot Dog

Atlanta's new era began in tasty fashion.

Michael Penix Jr. before the Falcons' 38–6 loss to the Broncos on Nov. 17, 2024. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

If he becomes a superstar, Atlanta Falcons fans will never forget where they were when Michael Penix Jr. was named their team's starting quarterback.

It seems like Penix won't, either—because of what he was doing when he learned the news.

The rookie told reporters he was in line to get a hot dog at Costco when the Falcons called him.

"I was shopping with my girlfriend—we was at Costco," Penix said via Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I got the call, they told me I was gonna be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season. As you can imagine, it was some nerves and excitement, but just super blessed to be in this position."

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. explains how he found out he was being elevated into the starting lineup. He was shopping for groceries at Costco with his girlfriend. pic.twitter.com/c8FNSdPOEu

— Ken Sugiura (@ksugiuraajc) December 18, 2024

Penix, 24, has thrown just five NFL passes. However, a poor performance from quarterback Kirk Cousins in Atlanta's 15–9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday hastened his elevation.

"When I got the call (that I would start), I wasn't hungry no more," Penix said via Mary Alex Anders of WAGA-TV in Atlanta.

So turns out, Michael Penix Jr. found out he would be #Falcons QB1 while getting a hotdog at @Costco with his girlfriend 😂🌭@FOX5Sports @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/mZ5G2ScAQ7

— Mary Alex Anders- Fox 5 Sports (@maryalexanders_) December 19, 2024

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