"I'm forever going to stand 10 toes and show why my God is Almighty and will never put me in a situation that I can't get through. Wherever you at right now in my story, STAY THERE! I never needed motivation or a pat on the back! All I ever needed was an opportunity and as long as I got breath I got that! The turtle race continues."
"Ian get this far by mistake, I never had no handouts, my road to success was never easy and I'm still just scratching the surface. All the pain, uncertainties, not knowing what will come next, never stop me from pursuing my dreams."
Michael Penix Jr. is nearly three months into rehabilitation after reconstructive surgery on his left ACL and faces at least nine months sidelined. This marks his third ACL surgery after two previous right ACL tears in college. He maintains confidence in returning by Week 1 of the 2026 season. He vows to persist through criticism, pressure and uncertainty, emphasizing faith, hard work and that he never needed motivation—only opportunity. Penix entered the NFL as the No. 8 pick in 2024, became the starter late as a rookie, and through nine games this season completed 60.1 percent of passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
Read at ESPN.com
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