Michael Penix Jr. had a standout college career at the University of Washington, where he threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns over two seasons, leading the Huskies to a 25-3 record, a Pac-12 title, and a national championship appearance in 2023. He won the Maxwell Award, finished second in Heisman voting, and led the nation in passing yards that year. Drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Penix began his rookie season as a backup to Kirk Cousins but became the starter in Week 16, finishing with 645 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions over three games. While the Falcons missed the playoffs, Penix showed promise—and throughout his rise from college to the NFL, his signature durag has remained a key part of his identity on and off the field.
"At this point I'm trolling"
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) May 8, 2025
Michael Penix Jr. explained why you'll never see him without a durag @BMac_SportsTalk pic.twitter.com/91tgkHYH4c
Penix explained how his durag became part of his identity after people kept asking, “What’s under the durag?” The attention made him more committed to wearing it, saying, “Since everybody wanna know what’s under there, I ain’t gonna show nobody.” He revealed that he only takes it off in special situations, like at a dinner with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. “Anytime I’m around Arthur Blank,” he added. Penix even said he showers with it at the team facility but takes it off once he gets in the car, showing how the durag has become a regular part of his routine.
It looks like the durag won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, as Penix continues to embrace it as part of his image both on and off the field. With his talent and personality shining through, fans can expect to see the quarterback making plays—and rocking his signature look—for years to come.
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