for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

Michael Penix' Letter to NFL GM's

FranknWeezer : 4/22/2024 11:28 am
FYI
Players Tribune - Michael Penix - ( New Window )
That's nice.  
TheManUpstairs : 4/22/2024 11:34 am : link
I really don't know why you write that letter, and I really don't know why you release it publicly.
Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
Four Aces : 4/22/2024 11:34 am : link
.
RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
TheManUpstairs : 4/22/2024 11:38 am : link
In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:
Quote:
.


I can't imagine anyone whose job it is to pick players taking that remotely seriously.
RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
MojoEd : 4/22/2024 11:39 am : link
In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:
Quote:
.

Penix has an agent and probably a publicist and PR/social media team. He may be a great guy but I never believe that athletes are the authors of their letters to the public.
I can’t speak on that I’m not a GM  
Four Aces : 4/22/2024 11:41 am : link
Just speaking as a fan of Penix and all he had to overcome.
That's great  
sb from NYT Forum : 4/22/2024 11:42 am : link
...Someone will be getting a damned good QB when they draft him.
RE: RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
Four Aces : 4/22/2024 11:42 am : link
In comment 16479292 MojoEd said:
Quote:
In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:


Quote:


.


Penix has an agent and probably a publicist and PR/social media team. He may be a great guy but I never believe that athletes are the authors of their letters to the public.


Most likely you’re correct. I suspected as much. However, his story is unique and his nonetheless.
I love it - go the extra mile when you really want something  
PatersonPlank : 4/22/2024 11:44 am : link
Very smart too, take the big issue head on and address it. I think people in decision positions would take this very positively, to me it shows real maturity, and he does make some good points. I don't see any negative outcome from this. Certainly its a much more impressive approach than some of the knuckleheads in the drafts before him, guys mile Manzel, etc.
RE: RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
Four Aces : 4/22/2024 11:46 am : link
In comment 16479288 TheManUpstairs said:
Quote:
In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:


Quote:


.



I can't imagine anyone whose job it is to pick players taking that remotely seriously.


Nevertheless, one thing I’ve learned in life there’s a human element to everyone. And after all, GMs aren’t just looking at tangible things but also the intangibles traits a QB has, ie. ability to lead, deal with adversity, etc. So imo, it doesn’t hurt.
RE: RE: RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
MojoEd : 4/22/2024 11:46 am : link
In comment 16479303 Four Aces said:
Quote:
In comment 16479292 MojoEd said:


Quote:


In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:


Quote:


.


Penix has an agent and probably a publicist and PR/social media team. He may be a great guy but I never believe that athletes are the authors of their letters to the public.



Most likely you’re correct. I suspected as much. However, his story is unique and his nonetheless.

Agreed!
blah blah blah blah  
KDavies : 4/22/2024 11:47 am : link
I've been injured a lot

Don't think that changes a team's opinion
..  
Sean : 4/22/2024 11:47 am : link
Quote:
BigDashKnows
@BigDashKnows
One thing you can say about me, is I tried to tell yall about Penix. You want a guy that makes everyone around them better, you want a guy that can make all the throws no matter the weather, you want a leader?

You got one staring you in the face, but too damn dumb to realize it
The author of any public announcement can be questioned  
UConn4523 : 4/22/2024 11:48 am : link
so that’s kind of irrelevant. The content is what matters and I certainly believe in it, kinda got fired up reading it. Was already on the Penix train but this bumped me up a few seats.
RE: blah blah blah blah  
UConn4523 : 4/22/2024 11:54 am : link
In comment 16479327 KDavies said:
Quote:
I've been injured a lot

Don't think that changes a team's opinion


Change? Probably not, no “letter” would. Reinforce? That’s probably more realistic. What are the other prospects saying? It’s nice to see someone trying to differentiate himself.
Wow that was great  
Rjanyg : 4/22/2024 11:54 am : link
wish there was a way to grab him and Odunze.
I have to say  
Boatie Warrant : 4/22/2024 11:55 am : link
The point that he has come back from every injury and performed is an interesting take.

Nice letter
Makes me like this kid more  
Paulie Walnuts : 4/22/2024 11:57 am : link
He's a lunch pail guy
RE: Wow that was great  
Gmen703 : 4/22/2024 12:00 pm : link
In comment 16479350 Rjanyg said:
Quote:
wish there was a way to grab him and Odunze.


I'm hoping we pull off that miracle.
Suggests to me  
regischarlotte : 4/22/2024 12:00 pm : link
That his agents think there is a very real likelihood he’s going to drop.
I've got a feeling Mike Penix is going to have a  
BleedBlue46 : 4/22/2024 12:00 pm : link
Really good and healthy career. Would love to get him.
I don't know, I kind of like the letter  
Matt M. : 4/22/2024 12:01 pm : link
Some may find it corny, overkill, or whatever. I thought it was well done.
RE: Suggests to me  
BleedBlue46 : 4/22/2024 12:03 pm : link
In comment 16479360 regischarlotte said:
Quote:
That his agents think there is a very real likelihood he’s going to drop.


Good point. Penix at 47 or via trade up? I've always felt he would slide into the end of rd1 or into day 2 potentially. Imagine we got Penix at 70?! If we go WR at 6 and Penix doesn't go in rd1, I'm not going to sleep well wondering if Schoen will make a move or not.
 
christian : 4/22/2024 12:06 pm : link
I'm assuming most of you are unfamiliar with how and what the Player's Tribune is and operates.
Do we think Penix wrote that by himself?  
bw in dc : 4/22/2024 12:09 pm : link
Or did he have help from Go Terps?
RE: Do we think Penix wrote that by himself?  
BleedBlue46 : 4/22/2024 12:10 pm : link
In comment 16479369 bw in dc said:
Quote:
Or did he have help from Go Terps?


Chief Editor Mister Terps
RE: Do we think Penix wrote that by himself?  
Four Aces : 4/22/2024 12:12 pm : link
In comment 16479369 bw in dc said:
Quote:
Or did he have help from Go Terps?


Lol
There is nothing negative you can take away from this.  
MotownGIANTS : 4/22/2024 12:16 pm : link
Whether he used a PR team or not, still a good step. Highlight your intangibles and point to performance post injuries. While showing that you can have long positive career. Also as stated in other threads medicine and science has come a long way.
Tough, smart,  
Bill in UT : 4/22/2024 12:27 pm : link
DEPENDABLE
Did he write it alone?  
Reale01 : 4/22/2024 12:34 pm : link
Of course not! At the very least he had help - anyone, even the best writer, would want help in his situation. Still if this aligns with the way he interviews in person then it certainly is impressive.
Why  
Archer : 4/22/2024 12:42 pm : link
Why did Penix find it necessary to write this letter?

I believe that Penix and his agents are aware that there are teams that have medically redlined him.

This is an attempt to somehow change their opinions and to put his tribulations in a positive spin.

He seems like a very bright, passionate, and thoughtful person, but I doubt that this note will change the teams' approaches.
Trade #6 To Vikings; Draft Penix  
JoeDonLooney : 4/22/2024 12:49 pm : link
To begin with, I know all about The Player’s Tribune, its founding (Derek Jeter), its leadership and funding. Frankly, it is simply a more elegant type of PR firm for athletes to channel their thoughts (attitudes, interests, opinions and beliefs). That is fine with me. The sports teams and their owners have their captive media so why can’t an athlete have multiple channels of such?

The letter is well written which, BtW, I would expect from a legitimate PR firm. Regardless, it is clear that Penix has direct input into the letter about his personal life with a particular emphasis on his attitude/ “heart” to persevere and most importantly succeed.

I have stated since last November that I am a JJM fan. I have also offered my thoughts since February of taking one of the top 3 WRs at #6.

Yet, looking at Penix’s history, including the information conveyed in this letter, his performance on the field and his attitude, I come away very impressed. I believe this situation offers the Giants an avenue of opportunity. I hope that Schoen and Co. see this as a possibility.

If the Vikings wish to move up to #6 to get one of the 4 QBs, then I, for one, would be interested in the Giants acquiring their #11 and #23; plus next years #1 in a trade. I would then take Penix at #11 and trade up with the #23 and additional bait to get Thomas, the WR out of LSU. If not Thomas, I would recommend being aggressive to get one of the other fine WRs in this draft in the first round. FWIW.
Ok, now I want both  
5BowlsSoon : 4/22/2024 1:01 pm : link
Odunze and #9, MP. Get it done Joe!
Giants grab him in the 2nd Round…..  
Simms11 : 4/22/2024 1:10 pm : link
I’d be ecstatic!
I don’t know how you don’t root for a guy like Penix  
Formerly TD : 4/22/2024 1:11 pm : link
I’d be more than happy with him at 6. Talent plus seems like a lot of heart. I heard he did well in interviews and on the chalkboard too.
I like it, but he needs to stay on the field.  
Optimus-NY : 4/22/2024 1:29 pm : link
The human element is not lost on me. I want this kid to do well (provided he doesn't land in the NFC East). The most important ability is availability at the end of the day.
RE: Ok, now I want both  
BlueHurricane : 4/22/2024 2:00 pm : link
In comment 16479488 5BowlsSoon said:
Quote:
Odunze and #9, MP. Get it done Joe!


This has been my hope since January.

One thing that I would take is a trade with the Broncos for #12 and Surtain and then move up to late first or early second to get Penix. Take the best WR (possibly Rome) or Bowers at 12 and come back up to get Penix.
Dade City isn't a food desert.  
Big Blue Blogger : 4/22/2024 2:03 pm : link
Quote:
I’m a product of Dade City, FL. Population 7,600. No Trader Joe’s, no Whole Foods. No steak houses or country clubs.

I mean, it's not Boca, but there's a Publix and a Winn-Dixie and a Walmart, plus a Bravo for quick runs. It's not like everyone is eating Hormel Chili from Family Dollar. So many athletes come from genuinely harrowing backgrounds that it might be bad form for a player from a solid middle class family to play that card.
He has been my guy for months  
averagejoe : 4/22/2024 2:30 pm : link
Agree the letter is meaningless . But it is possible the injury history is too . I believe his upside is worth the gamble and the Giants will regret passing on him .
The problem with the injury history  
Gman11 : 4/22/2024 3:35 pm : link
it that if he tears his ACL, it won't be the first time. It will be the third. A third ACL tear doesn't matter how much of leader you think you are, it will deteriorate your mobility.
RE: Dade City isn't a food desert.  
UConn4523 : 4/22/2024 3:44 pm : link
In comment 16479626 Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:


Quote:


I’m a product of Dade City, FL. Population 7,600. No Trader Joe’s, no Whole Foods. No steak houses or country clubs.


I mean, it's not Boca, but there's a Publix and a Winn-Dixie and a Walmart, plus a Bravo for quick runs. It's not like everyone is eating Hormel Chili from Family Dollar. So many athletes come from genuinely harrowing backgrounds that it might be bad form for a player from a solid middle class family to play that card.


You are misquoting him, or atleast, leaving off his point “ Nothing about Dade City is luxurious”. Saying they have a Walmart and a grocery store is a weird response.
RE: The problem with the injury history  
5BowlsSoon : 4/22/2024 3:48 pm : link
In comment 16479842 Gman11 said:
Quote:
it that if he tears his ACL, it won't be the first time. It will be the third. A third ACL tear doesn't matter how much of leader you think you are, it will deteriorate your mobility.


Were the two tears on different knees?
Thank you for sharing.  
IchabodGiant : 4/22/2024 3:49 pm : link
.
Same knee.  
Angus : 4/22/2024 3:54 pm : link
It's a worry, but is it more of a worry than getting a bust?
RE: RE: Damn that’s an impressive and powerful letter.  
Section331 : 4/22/2024 4:00 pm : link
In comment 16479292 MojoEd said:
Quote:
In comment 16479278 Four Aces said:


Quote:


.


Penix has an agent and probably a publicist and PR/social media team. He may be a great guy but I never believe that athletes are the authors of their letters to the public.


I don’t buy it. It’s too personal. I’m sure he had someone professional look at it, why wouldn’t he? It’s an impressive letter, and I think he effectively lays out why he would be the right choice. His injury history is a legitimate concern, so it’s going to take some cajones for a GM to take him, especially in the first.

I think it would be a wise choice.
RE: RE: The problem with the injury history  
RomanWH : 4/22/2024 4:10 pm : link
In comment 16479873 5BowlsSoon said:
Quote:
In comment 16479842 Gman11 said:


Quote:


it that if he tears his ACL, it won't be the first time. It will be the third. A third ACL tear doesn't matter how much of leader you think you are, it will deteriorate your mobility.



Were the two tears on different knees?


The same knee(right). Which for a lefty, is his leading leg, not the one he pushes off from when throwing. Personally, I'm less worried about the knee and more worried about the shoulder injury history. Here's the rundown from Pelissero:

"Penix was a three-year starter at Indiana, but suffered four consecutive season-ending injuries: a torn ACL in 2018, a right (non-throwing) shoulder injury in 2019, a torn ACL in 2020 and an AC joint separation in his left (throwing) shoulder in 2021. Sources say pre-draft medical exams confirmed Penix's twice-reconstructed right knee is structurally sound; he also received a positive report in January from renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who found no meniscus issue or other associated damage. Some teams still will give him a lower medical grade based on the repeat injury, but it's nothing that would cause him to fail a physical. Penix's lack of mobility -- or perhaps reluctance to use it -- is a bigger consideration for some teams."

If he had a clean injury past, he'd be up there with the rest of them and arguably a top 10 pick this year. But the fact remains. Any GM who places the weight of their franchise's future on his iffy shoulders is taking a big risk. Now granted any QB prospect is a risk. But the risk is whether or not they live up to their potential. With Penix, it's that plus a well known and documented injury past. The guy who drafts him better like wearing fire proof undies because the first time Penix gets walloped and is slow to get up, the villagers will be at the gates with pitchforks and torches ready to eviscerate the GM with a sea of "I told ya so's."
RE: RE: RE: The problem with the injury history  
5BowlsSoon : 4/22/2024 4:50 pm : link
In comment 16479924 RomanWH said:
Quote:
In comment 16479873 5BowlsSoon said:


Quote:


In comment 16479842 Gman11 said:


Quote:


it that if he tears his ACL, it won't be the first time. It will be the third. A third ACL tear doesn't matter how much of leader you think you are, it will deteriorate your mobility.



Were the two tears on different knees?



The same knee(right). Which for a lefty, is his leading leg, not the one he pushes off from when throwing. Personally, I'm less worried about the knee and more worried about the shoulder injury history. Here's the rundown from Pelissero:

"Penix was a three-year starter at Indiana, but suffered four consecutive season-ending injuries: a torn ACL in 2018, a right (non-throwing) shoulder injury in 2019, a torn ACL in 2020 and an AC joint separation in his left (throwing) shoulder in 2021. Sources say pre-draft medical exams confirmed Penix's twice-reconstructed right knee is structurally sound; he also received a positive report in January from renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who found no meniscus issue or other associated damage. Some teams still will give him a lower medical grade based on the repeat injury, but it's nothing that would cause him to fail a physical. Penix's lack of mobility -- or perhaps reluctance to use it -- is a bigger consideration for some teams."

If he had a clean injury past, he'd be up there with the rest of them and arguably a top 10 pick this year. But the fact remains. Any GM who places the weight of their franchise's future on his iffy shoulders is taking a big risk. Now granted any QB prospect is a risk. But the risk is whether or not they live up to their potential. With Penix, it's that plus a well known and documented injury past. The guy who drafts him better like wearing fire proof undies because the first time Penix gets walloped and is slow to get up, the villagers will be at the gates with pitchforks and torches ready to eviscerate the GM with a sea of "I told ya so's."


Thanks for this, Roman. I now am reversing my stand and do not want him….although I am not reversing my stand on his letter, whether he wrote it or not…..great letter.
RE: Dade City isn't a food desert.  
Big Blue Blogger : 4/22/2024 6:04 pm : link
Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:
:"I’m a product of Dade City, FL. Population 7,600. No Trader Joe’s, no Whole Foods. No steak houses or country clubs."

UConn4523 said:
Quote:
You are misquoting him, or atleast, leaving off his point “Nothing about Dade City is luxurious”. Saying they have a Walmart and a grocery store is a weird response.

Misquoted? Those are the exact words. The letter is trying to convey some hardscrabble, working-class hero thing, based on Penix having grown up in a town that doesn't have a Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods. The letter is largely about the adversity Penix has overcome - which is absolutely valid in the football context, based on all the injuries at Indiana. But the part about his origin story is an attempt to create a through-line of hardship. It doesn't really fit; his childhood may not have been "luxurious", but so what? Most college players didn't grow up like Peyton and Eli Manning.

Penix and his handlers can market him any way they like, and this letter will likely have no impact on his draft standing. I'm just saying that in my opinion, the part about Dade City rings hollow.
RE: RE: Dade City isn't a food desert.  
Astorian : 4/23/2024 7:17 am : link
In comment 16480131 Big Blue Blogger said:
Quote:
Big Blue Blogger said:

Quote:


:"I’m a product of Dade City, FL. Population 7,600. No Trader Joe’s, no Whole Foods. No steak houses or country clubs."


UConn4523 said:

Quote:


You are misquoting him, or atleast, leaving off his point “Nothing about Dade City is luxurious”. Saying they have a Walmart and a grocery store is a weird response.


Misquoted? Those are the exact words. The letter is trying to convey some hardscrabble, working-class hero thing, based on Penix having grown up in a town that doesn't have a Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods. The letter is largely about the adversity Penix has overcome - which is absolutely valid in the football context, based on all the injuries at Indiana. But the part about his origin story is an attempt to create a through-line of hardship. It doesn't really fit; his childhood may not have been "luxurious", but so what? Most college players didn't grow up like Peyton and Eli Manning.

Penix and his handlers can market him any way they like, and this letter will likely have no impact on his draft standing. I'm just saying that in my opinion, the part about Dade City rings hollow.


Agreed that the letter will likely not be a deciding factor on his draft standing, but you seem to be mischaracterizing it a bit. Where did Penix claim that Dade City was a food desert? You made that up. I didn't see any claims in the letter that there was NOWHERE to buy food for miles around. He also didn't deny the existence of a Wal-Mart or Winn Dixie, or Publix either. He only said that there was no Trader Joe's or no Whole Foods. Really weird reaction to what's basically a throwaway line.
Back to the Corner