Deion Sanders on Michael Penix Jr. Falcons drama: 'This is ridiculous'

Published: April 26, 2024, 9:33 p.m.

The show was holding pretty much to the script when Roger Goodell stepped to the center of the stage in Campus Martius Park on Thursday night holding the card containing the eighth pick in the NFL draft. Quarterbacks went 1-2-3. As expected. For a league hell-bent on explosive offense, that set a certain tone. So, no biggie that a defensive player hadn't been selected as pick No. 8 came. Then it happened. The Commissioner stunned the massive, record-breaking crowd of 275,000 gathered in the streets downtown in the Motor City – plus millions watching at home and draftniks from coast to coast. Goodell announced that the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr., the strong-armed quarterback from Washington. It was not a ruse. April Fools' Day came and went already. It was nobody’s draft-and-trade move. The Falcons’ pick of Penix was not only the biggest surprise of the first round, it represented the best-kept secret of the night.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders enters the field before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. UCLA defeated Colorado 28-16.
Atlanta Falcons first round draft pick quarterback Michael Penix Jr talks to the media at a press conference introducing him at the Falcons training complex.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Rose Bowl.
National quarterback Michael Penix Jr of Washington (9) throws the ball during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Deion Sanders walks the sidelines as the Colorado plays Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass against Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaylen Harrell (32) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) pass the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semi-finals at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 1, 2024. The Huskies won the game over the Texas Longhorns 37-31
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders reacts against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half at Mountain America Stadium.
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) holds the Sugar Bowl trophy after winning the College Football Playoff semi-finals at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 1, 2024. The Huskies won the game over the Texas Longhorns 37-31