From one milestone to a different.
Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. introduced his engagement to girlfriend Olivia Carter on Saturday, simply days after making his first NFL begin on Dec. 22.
“The sweetest love ❤️ Olivia and Michael 12.24.2024,” the caption of a joint Instagram put up shared on Penix and Carter’s pages learn, revealing the proposal passed off Tuesday on Christmas Eve.
The 24-year-old Penix, the eighth total decide within the 2024 NFL Draft, popped the query in a dreamy area that featured crimson roses, crimson candles and enormous letters that spelled out, “Marry Me.”
The couple has been courting since not less than November 2023, based on Individuals. They celebrated Christmas collectively final yr.
Carter, a College of Nevada, Reno alum and former collegiate soccer participant, was by Penix’s facet in April when the Falcons stunningly chosen him within the first spherical of the NFL draft — weeks after the group signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free company.
“When you can add a high-caliber player like that with his intangibles, those tools — he’s a winner. Very, very excited. You don’t pass up that opportunity,” Falcons normal supervisor Terry Fontenot mentioned of Penix within the draft aftermath.
“Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. We’re very enthusiastic about Kirk, we’re very enthusiastic about our group. Michael Penix is, we’re speaking in regards to the future. The draft is — you take a look at the longer term and also you take a look at huge image.
“But we’re very excited about that quarterback room. And again, Kirk is our quarterback, but adding Michael Penix is thinking about the future.”
Cousins’ reign because the Falcons’ beginning quarterback lasted 14 video games as the previous Vikings star was benched forward of Atlanta’s Week 16 contest towards the Giants.
The 36-year-old quarterback has thrown 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this season and has accomplished 66.9 % of his passes.
In his NFL debut final Sunday, Penix went 18-for-27 with 202 yards and one interception in Atlanta’s 34-7 win.
Penix and the Falcons (8-7) go to the Commanders (10-5) this week on “Sunday Night Football.”