Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. announces engagement 6 days after 1st career start

Michael Penix Jr. had a lot on his plate this week.

On Sunday, he made his debut as an NFL starter, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a win over the New York Giants.

Later in the week, he got engaged. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, he proposed to his girlfriend Olivia Carter in what appears to be his backyard in Atlanta, decked out in Christmas decorations and a giant "MARRY ME" display.

With a sizable audience on hand, Carter said yes and the couple began celebrating.

Carter is a former college soccer player at Nevada and a native of Washington state, where Penix became a star with the Huskies. Their relationship dates back to at least last November.

The Falcons surprisingly selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't a surprise because of Penix's résumé so much as the team's $180 million signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason. After a rough 14 games to begin his Falcons career, Atlanta benched Cousins for Penix.

Penix didn't have the best numbers in his first start, but there were encouraging signs he could bring the Falcons offense up to its potential. His next challenge will be a primetime one, against fellow rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

After that, it's time for wedding planning.