The quarterback position in the NFL has undergone a significant overhaul in recent years with legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees retiring and a new generation led by Patrick Mahomes carrying the torch forward.
The NFL saw a talented crop of rookies join the fray in 2024 including some that overcame tepid prognostications to seize their reins of their respective teams.
On Monday, former NFL QB and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III shared his thoughts on one quarterback who wrested the starting job away from a high earning household name in the NFC South last season, choosing him as his Breakout QB of the Year winner heading into the 2025-2026 football season.
Michael Penix Jr. throws during June 11 practice.
Michael Penix Jr. throws during June 11 practice in Atlanta.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
"Michael Penix Jr. will be the breakout QB of the year," Griffin III said on his X account Monday as fans reacted on X.
Some fans backed Penix Jr. on the prediction while others went against the grain.
"Justin Fields I think will surprise people this year," one fan said.
"Name the last good left handed QB in the last 10 years," another surmised.
"Weird way to spell JJ McCarthy but ok," another added.
"You spelled 'Cam Ward' wrong," another said.
"Don't know, possibly but his delivery is a little slow at times to me," another reacted.
Penix Jr. was a surprise draft choice of the Falcons in 2024 as it came after their big signing of former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins.
The former Washington Huskies star took over for Cousins and threw for 775 yards along with three interceptions and three touchdowns during what was a time of learning on the job for the left-handed Falcons starter.