Michael Penix Jr. shares his message to teammates late in Pac-12 Championship
The Washington Huskies found themselves in a close game late in the Pac-12 Championship Game. That’s when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. stood up and shared a message with his teammates.
After the game, Penix shared what he told the team in that moment.
“Yeah, just keep believing, keep fighting,” Michael Penix said. “The game obviously wasn’t over. We just got to continue to stay 1-0. We’ve been in this position before where it gets tight at the end.”
Washington jumped out to a 17-point lead in the first half. However, Oregon stormed back and had the lead going into the fourth quarter. That’s when the Huskies caught fire on offense once again.
“For us, it was about trusting in each other. I was telling them just look at the guy next to you, trust that he’s going to do his job to help us win this game,” Penix said. “That’s what it’s all about. Loving each other, trusting each other when those moments get big, those moments seem to get tough, having that belief to know we’ll be able to make it happen.”
Penix ended the game with 319 yards passing and a touchdown. For many, it became a Heisman moment for the star quarterback and Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer made sure to praise him, making the case for Penix to win the prestigious award.
“Yeah, I think just first of all, he’s 13-0. I think what you do is you look at the greatest moments when the greatest players have to rise and step up, and he did again the other night. A three point game behind and we found a way to get ahead,” DeBoer said.
“Driving our football team down the field, defense has to be a part of it, right? They gotta get the ball back to you. But he does it again, takes us the length of the field, you know, gives us the lead.”
Michael Penix Jr. opens up on the possibility of winning the Heisman Trophy
Michael Penix Jr. is one of four players headed to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. It’s a possible honor that he’s excited about.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to be in that talk. For me, it was always the main thing was to win. To be able to do that today on a stage like this? It’s incredible. I’m going to always savor this moment. I’m just super excited. Right now? I’m just really living in this moment,” Penix continued.
“Whatever happens come next weekend is going to happen. It’s already written. Obviously, I couldn’t do it without the guys around me. I got to thank my offensive line for all the work that they put in each and every day to allow me to stay clean on Saturdays. I’m just super blessed for the guys I have around me. Coach DeBoer and the staff as well, for sure.”