Falcons coach Raheem Morris defends Michael Penix Jr after viral clip: 'Feel bad for the kid'

Michael Penix Jr. was involved in a fight during practice for the Atlanta Falcons. Jason McIntyre discusses Penix's rookie season and if he's ready to lead the Falcons this year.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris pushed back against the online reaction to quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s remarks in a recent viral clip. 

Morris suggested the second-year signal caller's words were misappropriated and labeled the entire situation a "joke." He added that the backlash "lets you down" about people's internet behavior.

"I just feel bad for the kid. I don't want the kid having to deal with stuff that doesn't matter or stuff that's not real," Morris said.

During his media availability on Wednesday, Penix was asked who he relies on to help him mentally and physically. Penix mentioned his fiancée and former coaches as the people he leans on for support.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and head coach Raheem Morris on the field during Minicamp at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on June 11, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)

"Mentally, my fiancée, she's always there for me. So I know whenever I get home, it doesn't matter how I played, she's always going to be there for me. She's going to have a smile on her face and give me a hug and make me feel good no matter what."

Penix added: "As far as physically, the on-the-field stuff, it's not nobody that I talk to as far as another quarterback or anything like that. I do have people reach out to me. I do have quarterback coaches, though, back at home that reach out to me as well."

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Penix’s list noticeably