ATL Standard

The friendship between rookie NFL quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Jayden Daniels began before their professional careers took off. The two trained together in Southern California alongside Sam Hartman, a backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders, to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine.

Daniels was picked second in April's NFL Draft, while Penix was chosen eighth. As their teams compete for playoff spots, the two will face each other in "Sunday Night Football" when the Falcons visit the Commanders.

"Those are my guys," Penix said about his bond with Daniels and Hartman.

Daniels expressed his happiness for Penix's progress: "Me and Mike are boys. ... I'm happy for him. He waited his time." He also praised Penix as a "phenomenal player."

Both quarterbacks transferred during their college careers, with Penix moving from Indiana University to the University of Washington and Daniels transferring from Arizona State to LSU, where he won the 2023 Heisman Trophy. They are both 24 years old, slightly older than typical rookies like Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who is 22.

Daniels has started every game for the Commanders this season, leading all rookie quarterbacks with 3,303 passing yards and tying with Denver's Bo Nix for 10th in touchdown passes among all NFL passers. Meanwhile, Penix has been named starting quarterback by Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after spending most of the season learning from veteran Kirk Cousins.

"I got a lot of confidence in the young man," Morris said about Penix.

As both players aim to lead their teams to postseason success, Washington is vying for a wild card spot while Atlanta seeks an NFC South division title. Sunday's game will be a significant test for both rookies.

Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews described it as a challenge: "This is going to be a really big test this weekend."

Daniels has already demonstrated resilience in close games, including leading a comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles and securing a Hail Mary victory over the Chicago Bears earlier this season.

Penix is eager for his opportunity: "I expected nothing less," he said about Daniels' success. Now ready for his own moment on prime-time television, he added: "I'm super excited for it."