Former Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. insists ‘nothing is holding him back’ as he eyes a spot in the NFL later this year.
Penix has suffered several injuries during his football career, including two torn cruciate ligaments and two shoulder injuries, but he insists this is all in the past and no longer an issue as he wants to turn professional.
Penix’s right knee ACL injuries prematurely ended his 2018 and 2020 seasons, while separate injuries to each shoulder ended his 2019 and 2021 seasons.
Penix was able to stay healthy during his 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Huskies and also has renowned surgeon Dr. Consulted Neal ElAttrache, who gave him a ‘thumbs up’ – and will be available to reassure NFL teams during the draft process.
‘Some things are out of my control. I can tell them how I feel, I can show them how I feel, that’s all I can do at that moment,” Penix told ESPN of the inevitable conversations with teams about his injuries.
Michael Penix Jr. said, “There’s nothing holding me back,” in terms of his injury history
Penix also said he got a ‘thumbs up’ from famed surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache (photo)
Penix suffered four serious season-ending injuries during his time with the Indiana Hoosiers
‘I’ve got plenty of scans to show them, the doctor says I’m clear, there’s nothing wrong, I don’t really understand why they would think I’m injured. I can just show them what I can do.”
Penix showed no signs of the injury problems that plagued his four years with the Indiana Hoosiers, compiling a 25-3 record during his two seasons in Washington.
“It was hard for me at that time to just go out and have fun,” Penix said.
“I was just trying to get to the point where you can get back out there and find joy in the game again. I was blessed – I’m blessed – to be in this position where I discovered I can go out and have fun.”
Penix definitely seemed to be having fun this season as he threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Huskies to the College Football Playoffs 14-0, where they ultimately suffered a loss to the national champion Michigan Wolverines.
He also finished second in this year’s Heisman Trophy voting after finishing eighth in 2022.
“I can’t control other people’s perspectives or how they view me as a quarterback,” he said.
ElAttrache famously performed major surgery on Aaron Rodgers (L) and Kobe Bryant (R)
In 2008, the surgeon also repaired Tom Brady’s knee after the QB tore his ACL and MCL
“For me, I just have to continue to be myself and continue to work hard every day to show them that I am willing to do whatever it takes to be great, and that I belong wherever I end up.”
The 23-year-old QB is now competing in the Senior Bowl and will likely put on a show in front of hundreds of NFL evaluators as he tries to build relationships during the showcase at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the South Alabama campus.
“Just building relationships here, building relationships with people, elevating myself here as a person and a player,” Penix said.
“I’m just trying to get to know as many people as possible, standing here in front of these coaches, showing my skills to them. I enjoy the moment. As long as I take in every moment and make the most of it, I feel like it’s going to be a great week for me.”