FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Every "first" of Michael Penix Jr.'s opening day of training camp as the Falcons' starting quarterback involved Kyle Pitts.
His first throw in the first period of 11-on-11 work? A 25-yard completion to Pitts on an out route toward the right sideline.
The first words out of his mouth in his training camp press conference? A direct mention of the numerous passes thrown Pitts' way in practice.
"You see we got KP the ball today," Penix said as he walked to the podium. "There's going to be a lot of that."
It all felt intentional. Specific. Strategic. The way Penix highlighted his connection with Pitts was evident in every pass, and in the way he talked about his "golfing partner" — because yes, that's what Pitts is to Penix, too. On top of their regularly schedule offseason meet ups to play catch, quarterback and receiver (or pass-catching tight end), they made time to hit the golf course often.
Don't ask Penix about his golf game, yet. It's not where he wants it. Not when compared to Pitts'.
"We can talk about his golf game," Penix said with a sly smile, "but we're not going to talk about mine."
In all seriousness, though, Penix did not hesitate to describe a summer of work (and, yes, a little bit of golf, too) with Pitts alongside him.
"He's been working hard," Penix said. "He's had a great summer and I know he said he feels really good coming into camp. I can see it."
It goes without saying that this year is a big one for Pitts. It's his fifth and final year on his rookie contract. He's playing for his next one, and its value. That's not lost on anyone.
"I think Kyle has been a talking point for all of us," Morris said Thursday morning. "Everybody is trying to duplicate his rookie season."
A historic rookie season at that. One that saw the highest tight end ever drafted break records like Tony Gonzalez' franchise record for most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end, and join Hall of Famer Mike Ditka as the only rookie tight end in NFL history to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in receiving. Pitts was named a Pro Bowler, becoming the first rookie tight end (at the time) to make the all-star game since Jeremy Shockey did so in 2002.
The boys are back in town, and we were there to capture their arrival at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.
It was a meteoric start to a career that many expected to burn bright. Four years later, questions are louder than ever about Pitts' value in the NFL as a player once deemed "the unicorn." Since a season-ending knee injury in 2022, Pitts — and his production — hasn't been the same as his flash-in-the-pan rookie debut. Reasons for that decline can vary based on who you speak to. Some will say it's Pitts himself not winning his matchups or getting enough separation. Others will point to changes in scheme requirements from Arthur Smith to Zac Robinson. Most will look at the roster decisions, and the fact that in five years' time, this season is the only one in which Pitts ended the previous season with the same quarterback he starts the next with. That, and there are just more mouths to feed on this offense now with Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson in the fold.
Where does all of this leave Pitts? With something to prove in 2025.
"I am here. I am where my feet are," Pitts said. "I am excited for this year. Every year is a new year, but I am excited to get into it with these guys."
In his first press conference of training camp, Pitts said his focus is on this team, this offensive unit and, of course, his quarterback. It's something Penix and Pitts spoke about this summer.
"Just however I can be the best asset for him and for this offense," Pitts said. "Being a tight end is a safety blanket for a quarterback. Being at the right place, at the right time to be the best helper for him."
As for Pitts, he, too, knows what's on the line this season.
"I'm never comfortable, just ready," Pitts said. "Eager to perform with the guys."
Morris said he's liked what he's seen from Pitts this offseason. And he stressed the importance of Pitts simply doing what he's been doing. The team likes where he is and what coaches have seen from him.
"I think the way he is going to do that," Morris said of replicating Pitts' rookie year production, "is what he's been doing the last couple weeks: Working with Michael Penix, having the ability to go out there and have a plan for him to operate individually. Those are the things we're working on right now. The communication between him and Zac Robinson is at a very high level right now. Him and Mike. Him and the organization."
Pitts' connection with Penix was evident in the first throw of practice. It was noticeable as Penix recounted summer golf outings between the two. Pitts is a talking point for the Falcons heading into 2025, but early signs — and early they are — show a player in step with his quarterback. And that's a good start.
"I am really fired up, pumped up to see where we can go," Morris concluded, "and what we can do from the standpoint of those guys having gotten some time together this offseason."
