Michael Penix Jr. addresses if his strong performance impacts perception of Heisman voting
It’s been a phenomenal ride for Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies, but they’re not done yet.
The star quarterback led Washington to victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, and took some time to reflect during his post-game press conference. Specifically, Penix was asked about the Heisman Trophy, and if he had any ill-will towards the committee for his second-place finish.
Of course, that’s the furthest thing from Penix Jr.’s mind at the moment. He has all the respect in the world for Jayden Daniels, even if some believe Penix Jr.’s performance in the Sugar Bowl validated his Heisman robbery.
“As far as the Heisman thing, that’s over. It don’t matter right now. We’re looking to win a national championship. That’s been my goal since Day 1,” the Washington star explained. “You won’t find an interview or anything of me saying like, ‘I want to win the Heisman.’ That was never my goal. My goal was to win football games for this team. We’ve been doing it. 14-0. We’ve got one more to go. That’s my focus.
“The Heisman Committee, I’ll never talk down on them at all. They do an amazing job with their votes, and Jayden Daniels, he’s an amazing player. Made plays all throughout the year as well. I don’t take anything anyway from him, and the decision that they made. The only thing I can account for is what I do to help this team win football games. That’s what I’m all about.”
Alas, Penix Jr.’s journey has molded him, and allowed him to become the leader of one of the best teams in the sport. Even if it’s been difficult, the Washington quarterback wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I wouldn’t change my journey for anything and obviously, it might seem crazy to say because of what I’ve been through,” Penix Jr. added. “If I would say that I had to get hurt four times for me to get to this point, that’s not something that I would have thought of. I feel like it was all worth it, man.
“I feel like everything I’ve been through is definitely worth it and shaped me into the person, the player and the man I am today. So now I’m just super blessed to be in this position.”
Either way, you have to respect what Michael Penix Jr. has done over the last couple of seasons. We’ll see if he can cap off an amazing run with a national title next Monday.