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Atlanta Falcons bench Kirk Cousins, will go with Michael Penix ‘moving forward’

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Atlanta Falcons bench Kirk Cousins, will go with Michael Penix ‘moving forward’


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There will be a new quarterback in Atlanta.

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced rookie Michael Penix Jr. will be the starter for the team’s upcoming game against the New York Giants, with Kirk Cousins headed to the bench.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

The moves comes after a decline in Cousins’ play in recent weeks, particularly when it comes to turning the ball over. After Cousins guided Atlanta to a 6-3 start and an early lead in the NFC South, the Falcons dropped their next four games and lost control of the division. During the losing streak, Cousins threw eight interceptions and no touchdowns.

Cousins had a chance to change the narrative on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the poor play continued. He finally threw a touchdown pass, but he only threw for 112 yards − just 28 in the second half − and an interception in a game where the offense looked largely problematic.

After the 15-9 win, Morris told reporters Cousins “got to play better.” When Morris spoke with the media on Tuesday, he was noncommittal on Cousins keeping the starting job before announcing the switch on Tuesday night.

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“We just got back (from Las Vegas),” he said, per The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. “We still have to go through that process. All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn’t play well enough at the quarterback position.”

The future now looks uncertain for the quarterback Atlanta signed this past offseason to a four-year, $180 million contract, which had a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. If Atlanta released Cousins, it would eat a dead cap hit of $65 million, per Over The Cap, and he’s also due a $10 million roster bonus for 2026 if he’s on roster through March 17. A trade would require another team willing to take on the contract, or Atlanta offering to pay for some of it.

Now, the quarterback drafted No. 8 overall in this year’s draft will get the chance to make his case to keep the job as Atlanta continues to challenge for the division title. The former Washington Huskies star that led the NCAA in passing yards in 2023 has played in just two games this season, in relief of Cousins in blowout losses. He is 3-for-5 with 38 yards.

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Atlanta, GA

The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?

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The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?


The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.



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Atlanta, GA

Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ

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Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ


With the World Cup just months away, host cities ramp up preparations for a global surge of fans. Philadelphia takes center stage as the World Cup draws closer. From major fan event changes and security planning to base camps and short-term rentals, here’s what to know ahead of the matches.



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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing

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Atlanta runners honor Olympian Jeff Galloway after his passing


Atlanta runners are finding ways to honor the legacy of former US Olympian Jeff Galloway, who was widely known for his run-walk-run strategy, after his death on Wednesday at 80. 

What we know:

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Officials say Galloway suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and died in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida. 

His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, also a running enthusiast, shared a tribute to him through social media following his death. 

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What they’re saying:

“With Jeff being the winner of the first Peachtree, he sort of automatically is a legend here in Atlanta,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club CEO. 

Kenah says Galloway will likely be remembered most for inspiring so many people to lace up their sneakers and start running.

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Running legend Jeff Galloway passes away in Florida

“We know Jeff in the running world as our hometown hero. You know, our celebrity. But he leveraged that celebrity to bring more people into the sport than anybody else that I can think of. I think that should be his legacy,” said Kenah. 

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At a Thursday night run along the Beltline, the group held a moment of silence in Galloway’s honor. 

“He’s a big advocate for encouraging people to go and run. I was influenced by him. I ran my 1st marathon back in December of 2024,” said Alex Lewis. 

As the group took off on their run, they remembered the elite athlete who spent a lifetime motivating others to lead a healthy life one step at a time.
 
“Even though he was an Olympian and kind of like a celebrity in his own right, he still acted and talked to us normal people, just like a regular guy. He’ll be deeply missed here in Atlanta,” said Lewis. 

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Atlanta Track Club officials say there will be a moment to recognize Jeff Galloway before the start of Sunday’s Publix Atlanta Marathon. 

They’re still planning how they will pay tribute to him at this year’s Peachtree Road Race. 

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The Source: This is a FOX 5 original report where Denise Dillon spoke with members of the Atlanta running community. 

AtlantaNewsFlorida



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