Michael Penix Jr.’s fiancée showed her excitement ahead of Monday Night Football’s exciting matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills. As her significant other readies for a big showdown, Olivia Carter made her feelings clear with a two-word reaction on Instagram.
What Did Olivia Carter Say About Michael Penix Jr. on Instagram?
Carter shared the Falcons’ official Instagram reel to her story, which showed Penix Jr. ahead of the primetime matchup. The reel included text “MP9 IN THE THROWBACKS LOADING” with fire emojis, building anticipation for Atlanta’s Monday night showdown against Buffalo.
Carter’s caption to that reel read, “LITERALLY DROOLING.”
The story came just hours before kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but’s the latest example of Carter’s public support for her fiancé’s NFL career. The couple got engaged on December 28, 2024, in a backyard proposal with candles, roses, and giant letters spelling, “MARRY ME.”
Carter, a Nevada graduate with a biology degree, has been there for Penix’s biggest moments — she was even shopping with him at Costco when he got the call that he’d become Atlanta’s starter.
The couple first went Instagram official in November 2023 during his final season at Washington, and they’ve documented their relationship through trips to Jamaica and Hawaii.
Her social media presence has become a window into Penix’s journey from college star to NFL starter — she’s been vocal in supporting him through the ups and downs of his first season as Atlanta’s franchise quarterback.
How Is Michael Penix Jr. Performing This Season?
Penix enters Monday night with mixed results through four starts. He’s completed 78 of 125 passes for 918 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He ranks 22nd nationally among NFL quarterbacks, with a 75.0 QB Impact Score from PFSN, earning him a C grade.
The 25-year-old left-hander bounced back from a brutal Week 3 shutout loss to Carolina with his best performance against Washington in Week 4. He threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns on 76.9% completion. However, consistency remains elusive as he has been strong in the first half while struggling after halftime.
His deep-ball accuracy has disappeared early in 2025. After averaging 14.3 intended air yards per attempt in 2024, he’s averaging just 7.9 this season. Defenses have adjusted with two-high safety looks, forcing him into checkdowns and shorter throws.
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The challenges extend beyond Penix’s control. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is out with a hamstring injury for Monday’s game, limiting his weapons.
The Falcons are 2-2 in the NFC South, trailing Tampa Bay. Their offense ranks 27th nationally in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, with a 74.5 Offense Impact Score and a C grade.
Penix faces his toughest test yet against Josh Allen and the 4-1 Bills. Buffalo’s defense has allowed just nine completions of 20-plus yards all season, which could neutralize his biggest strength.
But with Carter cheering him on and the home crowd behind him, Penix has a chance to prove he can compete with the NFL’s elite on the biggest stage. This first game in the Week 6 Monday Night Football doubleheader kicks off at 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
