Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Thanks ‘The Man Above’ Ahead of CFP Championship

Published: January 4, 2024

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Thanks ‘The Man Above’ Ahead of CFP Championship

By Movieguide® Contributor

The Washington Huskies are 14-0 heading into the College Football Playoff National Championship game, and their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., thanked God for the opportunity.

“First of all, I’m gonna say that I’m not no quitter,” he said during an on-field interview. “I don’t want to say that I was gonna quit. It did get hard for me at times [in my career], you know, but I had to lean on the ones that I love the most. But it means a lot to be here. I’m super blessed, and I gotta thank the Man Above. I gotta thank God for everything that He’s put me through to get to this point. It’s been a blessing and I’ve been enjoying the journey.”

"First of all, I'm going to say that I'm not no quitter."

Washington's star QB Michael Penix Jr. never quit despite injuries, and in tonight's Sugar Bowl win, he threw for 430 yards and 2 TDs. Now, he'll lead the Huskies in the CFP Championship next Monday. #Huskies pic.twitter.com/8Ohkmqabo5

— First and Pen (@firstandpen) January 2, 2024

The win came “in large part to Penix’s 29 completions on 38 attempts for 430 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions,” Sports Spectrum reported.

“Washington controlled the game and held a comfortable 34-21 advantage midway through the fourth quarter. Yet after a furious rally and a few fortuitous bounces, the Longhorns found themselves on Washington’s 13 yard-line with one second to play. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers lofted a pass to the end zone that was batted out of bounds, and the game was over,” Sports Spectrum added.

For more inspiring sports stories, check out Sports Spectrum.

Penix’s journey to the CFP Championship wasn’t an easy one. In 2018, he tore his ACL. Then, in 2019, he suffered a shoulder injury that left him on the sidelines. He tore his ACL again in 2020 and was sidelined with another shoulder injury in 2021.

“There were times when I’d wake up the day of the game, and I’d wait until my roommate leaves, and I’d just lie on the floor and I’d just cry to God, just praying that He’d protect me that day,” he said in an interview with the Pac-12 before the 2023 season.“I knew where my head was at that time.”

Now, in 2023, Penix has a chance to win it all. He will prepare to lead his team on Monday, Jan. 8, against the Michigan Wolverines.

Movieguide® previously reported on the quarterback:

University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led his team to a 36-33 win over Oregon, crediting God for the victory.

Penix Jr. told ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe, “I’ve just got to give credit to the man upstairs and thank God for everything He put me through and allowing me to get to the spot I am today. It was a tough game, but I knew we’d be able to pull it off…I’m just so proud of this team, and I just thank God for everything that He allowed me to have.”