FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. () — The previous offseason was a pivotal time for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft, he assumed the role of starter following an overtime defeat to the Carolina Panthers that concluded the Falcons’ season.

Penix stepping up as the Falcons’ starting quarterback isn’t entirely unfamiliar. Last season, during his rookie year, he started the last three games of the regular season while Atlanta was vying for a wild-card playoff position. In those appearances, the team achieved a 1-2 record, with both losses occurring in overtime.

Following the season’s final match, Penix mentioned he was unsure of the specific details of his offseason training strategy. Nevertheless, he emphasized its crucial role in his growth as a quarterback. On Tuesday afternoon, he revealed details on how he prepared to become the starting quarterback.

“In colleges, everything was always on the schedule,” Penix Jr. said. “Your offseason program was on a schedule. You know, you had to be in. You had these workouts, but now it’s like, whenever the offseason comes around, it’s on you. You got to know how to be a pro, you got to know when you need to work out, and the things that you need to do so that whenever you do come back for OTAs and stuff like that you’re ready.

“That’s the biggest thing that I learned this offseason. I know it’s been out there that I had talks with [former Falcons quarterback] Matt Ryan. Just to know how he did his offseason, some different things that he did to help him stay ready whenever camp and stuff rolled around.”

The first time Falcons’ fans could see Penix Jr will be Friday, Aug. 7 at home against the Detriot Lions in preseason action. However, judging how head coach Raheem Morris treated Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix last preseason, he will probably hold his starter out until Week 1, which is a home game against division rival Tampa Bay.