Sharing Seattle? Seahawks' Geno Smith Praises 'Really Special' Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith loved seeing Washington Huskies quarterback, and Heisman finalist, Michael Penix Jr. repeat his iconic postgame remark.

Regardless of how this season turns out, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will have his share of fans in the Pacific Northwest. He elevated himself to folk hero with a win after Week 1 of the 2022 season.

“They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though,” inserted Smith into the hearts of Seahawks fans and the generally strong play that has followed certainly hasn’t hurt that sentiment.

As such, his influence has spread throughout Seattle. University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. borrowed the line after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 championship game last week.

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. attempts a pass against Michigan State / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Smith took notice and took the time to praise Washington’s star passer.

“That was awesome,” Smith said. “I got a chance to throw with Mike in the offseason and had a chance to talk to him, he’s a really special player and a special guy. To be able to kind of share Seattle with him is awesome. I love what they’re doing at U-Dub.”

The Huskies are undefeated and the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoffs, set for a date with the Texas Longhorns. Penix, in turn, has thrown himself into the Heisman conversation.

Penix threw for 4,218 yards, 33 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his second season with Washington. Nobody threw for more yards this season, and only Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels – two other Heisman finalists – had more passing touchdowns.

It seems that’s enough to earn Smith’s vote.

“I hope he wins it. I think he’s had a great year,” Smith said. “I think when you look at all the candidates, to lead his team to 13-0 and all the great things he’s done throughout the year, he’s got the numbers, he’s got the moments. I think he deserves it.”

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Penix’s play has elevated his draft stock, too. While medical red flags and an atypical throwing motion slow the hype, some fans are hoping he ends up with Seattle and under the tutelage of Smith.

The Seahawks, though, aren’t focused on finding a new signal caller just yet—the playoffs are still on the table; even with the recent struggles rendering them 6-6 through Week 13.

That road doesn’t get much easier with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles in the coming weeks, but it’s too early to write off the Seahawks. They just might not write back.