Michael Penix Jr. hilariously describes visiting Kalen DeBoer in Alabama: 'His house is bigger than mine and cost less'

Michael Penix and Kalen DeBoer found most of their success together in the Pacific Northwest with the Washington Huskies. Now, both of them reside in the South. Penix is getting ready for his first full season as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback, while DeBoer enters Year 2 with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

A trip to Tuscaloosa recently took place and Penix walked away quite stunned. Not with anything related to Alabama but where DeBoer currently lives. He could believe the size of his former headman’s house, apparently being larger and a lot cheaper.

“He’s got a crazy house,” Penix said. “Man, the market in Alabama is crazy. His house is way bigger than mine and it costs less than mine. I’m like ‘Dang, that’s crazy.’ He’s got a good gig over there.”

Penix was the 8th overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft after guiding Washington to the College Football Playoff national championship game. He signed a four-year, $22.9 million contract with the Falcons, one that included a signing bonus of over $13 million.

DeBoer is not doing too badly for himself either. Alabama pulled him away from Seattle with an eight-year deal, making $87 million throughout. While being in charge of an SEC program might have its moments, the payments can be just as high as the stress level.

More than anything, Penix was there to see DeBoer and other guys who coached him at Washington. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb just arrived at Alabama as well. Some good memories between them, now catching up on a completely different side of the country.

“It was great to be over there with those guys,” Penix said. “Obviously, those guys played a big, big role in helping with me get to this position and success in my football career. So it’s always good to be around those guys, spend time with them.”

Both guys are now set to begin important seasons at their respective spots. DeBoer will take Alabama on the road Aug. 30 for Week 1, going up against Florida State. Expectations continue to be high for the Crimson Tide, even after losing three games a year ago.

As for Penix, training camp just got underway with the Falcons. A divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes place to open what could be a pretty special campaign for the second-year quarterback. Folks in Atlanta are quite excited about the potential Penix possesses.