The veteran quarterback's kind gesture has gone viral.
The Atlanta Falcons kicked off a new era with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. getting his first start on Sunday. When the Falconsin favor of Penix last week, many believed it marked the changing of the guard as Atlanta looked to usher in what it hoped would be its franchise quarterback for years to come.
Penix led the Falcons to a thrilling 34-7 win over the New York Giants in his first start in Week 16, but not before sharing a heartwarming moment with the player whose job he took over. Cousins and Penix were seen praying together in the tunnel at Mercedes-Benz Stadium just before the game. The two closed their eyes and bowed their heads, with Cousins appearing to say a prayer before the two ran out onto the field.Penix, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, got plenty of help from his defense—which had two pick-sixes—during Sunday’s win while he finished with 202 passing yards and one interception.
The rookie made sure to give plenty of praise to Cousins after the game for being there for him throughout his Falcons journey.. “He’s a great leader, a great teammate. We talk all the time, coming up to the sidelines he’d always ask me what I saw and he continued to encourage me throughout the whole game.”
The Falcons improved to 8-7 on the year and are currently on the outside looking in for a playoff berth.Kristen Wong is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. She has been a sports journalist since 2020. Before joining SI in November 2023, Wong covered four NFL teams as an associate editor with the FanSided NFL Network and worked as a staff writer for the brand’s flagship site. Outside of work, she has dreams of running her own sporty dive bar.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kirk Herbstreit Praised Texas’ Steve Sarkisian for Classy Move During CelebrationThe Longhorns coach didn't want things to take a violent turn after their win.
Read more »
Kirk Cousins Shared Such a Classy Moment With Vikings Fans After Falcons’ LossRespect.
Read more »
Was Kirk Cousins' move from Vikings to Falcons a win-win?Cousins is back in Minnesota on Sunday to play the Vikings, who are riding high with Sam Darnold.
Read more »
Buccaneers Division Rival Atlanta Falcons Expected to Move On From Kirk CousinsIt's been a steep fall from grace for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins outside of his matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Read more »
Nets trading Dennis Schroder to Warriors as first Brooklyn domino fallsNets fans pining for their team to make a move — any move — can take solace.
Read more »
Ex-Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo Shares Classy Message for Old Team After Win vs. ArmyIt was a banner day for the Midshipmen.
Read more »