Michael Penix Jr Biography Michael Tarrence Penix Jr. born May 8, 2000 is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). After spending three injury-affected seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers, Penix had a standout year with the Washington Huskies in 2022, leading the FBS in passing yards per game and setting the school record for passing yards in a season. In 2023, he won the Maxwell Award after finishing as the NCAA leader in passing yards, which helped propel him to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. Penix was chosen by the Falcons as the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Michael Penix Jr Biography 2025
Michael Tarrence Penix Jr. is an American professional football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.
Born: 8 May 2000 (age 24 years), Tampa, Florida, United States
NFL draft: 2025 / round: 1 / pick: 8
Current team: Atlanta Falcons (#9 / Quarterback)
School: University of Washington
Height: 1.88 m
Weight: 216 lb (98 kg)
Michael Penix Jr Biography 2025 Details
| Born: | May 8, 2000 Cookeville, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| High school: | Tampa Bay Technical (Tampa, Florida) |
| College: |
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| NFL draft: | 2025 / round: 1 / pick: 8 |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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Early Life
Penix was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, but grew up in Dade City, Florida. He attended Tampa Bay Technical High School, where he started at quarterback for two seasons, accumulating 4,243 passing yards with 61 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He later committed to Indiana University to continue his football career.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. J.J. McCarthy: A Net Worth Comparison
Step onto the vibrant stage of college football, where star quarterbacks are not just athletes; they are also emerging entrepreneurs. The excitement on the field goes beyond touchdowns—it’s about the financial game as well. Let’s delve into the net worth comparison between Michael Penix Jr., the standout quarterback for the Washington Huskies, and J.J. McCarthy, the powerhouse for the Michigan Wolverines.
These quarterback dynamos are not only making plays but also building their brands. Their upcoming clash in the National Championship game on January 8 in Houston adds an extra layer of intrigue. With recent victories in the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl, along with impressive NIL deals and NFL prospects, let’s explore the financial aspects behind these two gridiron stars.
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Michael Penix Jr.: A Strategic Brand Ambassador
As of 2023, Michael Penix Jr. boasts an impressive net worth of $6.18 million. A key factor in his financial success is his strategic partnerships with various brands, including a recent collaboration with Celsius energy drink. His annual NIL deal, valued at $1.3 million, highlights his marketability, stemming from his influence both on and off the field.
Penix Jr.’s endorsements with brands like Montlake Futures, Husky Throwbacks, and Simply Seattle illustrate his diverse approach to partnerships. His long-standing collaboration with Montlake Futures and the revenue-sharing model for his branded merchandise demonstrate his business savvy, allowing him to secure 50% of sales from his $24.99 t-shirts with Simply Seattle.
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J.J. McCarthy: A Rising Star with Philanthropic Ventures
In contrast, J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. With a notable NIL agreement worth $879,000 and an annual net worth of $1.3 million, he is emerging as a significant player in the NIL landscape, ranking impressively in the On3 NIL 100. Currently, details about McCarthy’s assets and lifestyle are less publicly available, suggesting a different approach to personal wealth management and public visibility.
Michael Penix Jr.’s Contract Breakdown
Michael Penix Jr. signed a four-year contract worth $22,882,636 with the Atlanta Falcons, which includes a signing bonus of $13,461,916 and an average annual salary of $5,720,659.
Contract Details
- Contract Length: 4 years
- Total Value: $22,882,636
- Average Salary: $5,720,659
- Signing Bonus: $13,461,916
- Guaranteed at Signing: $22,882,636
- Total Guaranteed: $22,882,636
- Free Agency Year: 2029 (UFA)
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Salary
| Year | Age | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | $795,000 | $3,365,479 | $4,160,479 | $22,882,636 |
| 2025 | 25 | $960,000 | $3,365,479 | $5,200,599 | $18,722,157 |
| 2026 | 26 | $1,075,000 | $3,365,479 | $6,240,719 | $13,521,558 |
| 2027 | 27 | $1,190,000 | $3,365,479 | $7,280,839 | $7,280,839 |
| 2028 | 28 | – | – | – | – |
Conclusion
Michael Penix Jr. is the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback, drafted eighth overall in 2025 after a stellar college career at Washington, where he led the NCAA in passing yards and won the Maxwell Award. Born in Tennessee and raised in Florida, he overcame early injuries at Indiana before excelling at Washington.