CELEBRITY
Patrick Mahomes was instrumental in the Atlanta Falcons choosing Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 Draft
The selection of Michael Penix Jr. by the Atlanta Falcons was one of the big surprises of the 2024 NFL Draft.
What few people know is the role Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes played in the Falcons’ decision to use their first-round pick to select the University of Washington product.
Just in mid-March, a few weeks before the draft, the Falcons had extended veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
With a top quarterback committed to a medium-term contract, most expected them to go with a defensive player, whether it be a cornerback or linebacker.
However, the Falcons’ front office surprised everyone by using their first-round pick, eighth overall, to select Penix. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, everything has a logical explanation, which begins with the selection of Mahomes in the 2017 Draft.