Michael Penix Jr. is now the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and he’s making sure we all respect him.
Penix is not new to fans heckling as he has played in some of the biggest stages in his collegiate career. However this certain incident gave him reason to pause, as he faced a fan who he called him outside of his name.
After Atlanta’s preseason win to the Dallas Cowboys, an opposing Cowboys fan echoed the mocking mispronunciation of Penix’s name that caught the quarterback’s attention.
Penix, walking off the field, stopped in his tracks and turned back with a simple but pointed question to the fan and said , “Whatchu call me?” The fan backpedaled quickly.
Video of the exchange went viral in no time, reminding fans that even in the age of social media humor, there is a fine line between jokes and respect.
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Jokes about the quarterback’s name have trailed him since his days at Washington. Earlier this month a TV gaffe didn’t help, with a Georgia station turning his name into a part of the male body on screen. It was an unfortunate typo that spread all across social media.
The second year signal caller’s brief, yet pointed, reaction spoke volumes. He is not here for disrespect, even if it comes wrapped in a punchline. It may not be the kind of headline a quarterback wants, but it still sent a message.
Penix made it very clear you will respect him and he’s not messing around when it comes to that.
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