The NFL preseason is barely underway, and it didn’t take long to be gifted what sure looks like the premier meme of the 2026 season.
And we have Michael Penix Jr. to thank for it.
The Atlanta Falcons hosted the Denver Broncos on Friday to get their preseason slate rolling, and there was a moment on the sidelines that has been getting all the attention.
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Falcons quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. gave fans what looks destined to be an all-time meme early in the preseason. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Tua Tagovailoa — who the team acquired over the offseason — was sitting on the bench after his first possession in a Falcons uniform.
That’s when Penix, who was standing nearby, pointed at him and made a bewildered face.
I would be willing to bet there’s another explanation for why Penix was pointing and doing the “Can you believe this?” face that everyone did on “The Office.”
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But it doesn’t matter why he did it. All that matters is he did it, and it’s about to be the meme of the year.
The NFL is always a fertile ground for memery.
Hell, by the time the regular season gets underway, I think there’s a good chance this meme is old news and something else will take its place.
Memes can move, baby!
Michael Penix Jr. is still battling back from injury, with Tua Tagovailoa joining the team’s quarterback room this season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Penix — believed to be the Falcons’ starter — did not see any action in the game as he is still working his way back from an injury. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa completed three of his five passing attempts for 22 yards.
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The rest of the snaps went to Jack Strand and Cooper Rush. Strand completed half of his 12 pass attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown, while Rush had a nightmare 7-for-19 night with 62 yards and a pair of interceptions in the Dirty Birds’ 27-7 loss.
