Cam Newton Sends Blunt Advice to Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr.

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Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

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The Atlanta Falcons are set to enter the 2025 NFL season with second-year signal caller Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. He took over late in the 2024 season as the starter from Kirk Cousins and the franchise isn’t looking back.

Penix was selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Coming out of Washington, he looks the part of a potential star in the making.

However, the fact of the matter is that he is unproven. He has elite talent, but nothing is guaranteed.

Cam Newton was one of the top superstar quarterbacks in the NFL for a few years with the Carolina Panthers. His career quickly fell apart and he is now out of the league.

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Ahead of Penix’s first season as the full-time starter, Newton spoke out with some blunt advice for the Falcons’ second-year quarterback.

During a recent segment on the “4th and 1 Podcast,” Newton detailed the reality of the business side of the NFL.

“Michael Penix, this is all I will say to you,” Newton said. “You see how you got the position? That will be the same way you lose your position. Don’t let that fly off your head, dreads, or your durag. Stay with me. Understand the same way that got you the position is the same way you will lose the position. This is a business first.”

Penix appeared in five games during his rookie season with Atlanta. He completed 58.1 percent of his pass attempts for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 11 yards and a score.

On the outside looking in, the Falcons look like a team who could be a sleeper playoff contender in the NFC. Penix will be surrounded by solid offensive talent.

Read more: Vikings Legend Randy Moss Has Strong Words for Justin Jefferson

Bijan Robinson in the backfield will help take pressure off of the passing game. He’s also capable of being a good receiver out of the backfield. As for the top weapons in the passing game, the options consist of Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts.

He has his work cut out for him. It has been awhile since Atlanta was viewed as a Super Bowl contender. Should he develop to his ceiling, Penix could help the Falcons get back to that level.

All of that being said, Newton’s warning rings true for Penix and every other young quarterback in the NFL. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

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