What Happened to Michael Penix Jr? Who is Michael Penix Jr?
by Mathelene
Updated Nov 29, 2023
What Happened to Michael Penix Jr?
During the Apple Cup against Washington State on November 2023, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had an unusual reaction. As his team attempted a game-winning field goal in the final moments, Penix couldn't bear to watch. He buried his head in what looked like an equipment cabinet and remained in that position even as his team celebrated the successful kick.
Despite the pressure of maintaining a perfect 12-0 record, it was peculiar that Penix didn't look up or join the celebration. After the game, instead of celebrating, Penix walked off the field with a jacket covering his face. His individual performance in the game wasn't outstanding, going 18 for 33 with 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
In comparison, his opponent, Cameron Ward, outperformed him with 317 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Penix's unique emotional response became a topic of discussion, especially since he didn't share in the joy of the team's victory. It adds to a trend of top college quarterbacks going viral for their emotional postgame moments throughout the season.
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Who is Michael Penix Jr?
Michael Tarrence Penix Jr., born on May 8, 2000, is an American football quarterback for the Washington Huskies in the Pac-12 Conference. Originally from Tampa, Florida, he played quarterback at Tampa Bay Technical High School, impressing with 4,243 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and only six interceptions over two seasons. He committed to playing college football at Indiana University.
His college journey began at Indiana, where injuries affected his early years. In 2018, he played three games as a true freshman, suffered a torn ACL, and was redshirted. Despite injury setbacks, he started in 2019 but played only six games. In 2020, he returned as the starter but faced another season-ending injury.
In 2021, Penix transferred to the University of Washington, leading them to an 11–2 record in 2022. He excelled, becoming the FBS leader in passing yards for the 2022 regular season, earning accolades like AP Comeback Player of the Year and finishing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. In December 2022, Penix announced his return to the Huskies for the 2023 season.
What Happened to Michael Penix Jr - FAQs
Michael Penix Jr. chose not to watch the game-winning field goal attempt in the final moments, possibly overwhelmed by the pressure of maintaining Washington's perfect 12-0 record.
No, he walked off the field with a jacket covering his face, opting not to join in the celebration despite the game-winning kick.
Penix's performance was not exceptional; he went 18 for 33 with 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, facing a seemingly weaker Washington State team.
Cameron Ward was the opposing quarterback, outperforming Penix with 32 completions on 48 attempts, 317 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Yes, on December 4, 2022, Penix announced on Twitter that he would return to the Huskies for the 2023 season.