Michael Penix Jr. accomplished what he needed during Senior Bowl practices and opted out of Saturday’s all-star game in Mobile, Alabama.
The former University of Washington quarterback used three practice sessions to show the large contingent of NFL front-office personnel and scouts what he could do and that apparently was enough.
Oregon’s Bo Nix and South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler were the starting QBs when the game began in front of a crowd of 25,0000 at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
On Friday night, a smiling Penix joined other players in downtown Mobile and threw game souvenirs to football fans.
It’s not uncommon for players to be involved in the Senior Bowl practices but pass on the game, which is conducted largely for entertainment rather than grading purposes. Injury concerns are often the reason. The game likewise is played with base offenses and defenses to regulate it.
Penix had a particularly good day in the third and final practice in Mobile, showing off his arm strength and his huge hands that proved surprising to some scouts. He came to Mobile attempting to show them that he’s worthy of a first-round draft pick.