HOUSTON — When the Washington Huskies take the field in the College Football Playoff National Championship, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will have a large support system in the stands.
More than a dozen family members made the trek from Florida and New York to be in Houston for the biggest game of Penix Jr.'s life.
"Oh he's got this," said his mom Takisha. "It seems like when he has fun, he does great things and he's not worried about everything else."
Judging by the smile on his face on media day, the Heisman finalist is having fun soaking up the most important weekend of his young career.
For the Penix family. That's the idea. Takisha and Michael Sr. stressed the importance of faith and family to their three boys. The middle son, Mekhi, is also a football player. He's a wide receiver for Tennessee Tech, just like their dad.
"It's great seeing Michael's name on people's jerseys and Michigan fans actually coming up and wishing him well," said Michael Sr.
Even when the Penix family goes to Texas barbeque in Houston, they're stopped by fans and treated like celebrities.
"And all I did was give birth," Takisha said with a laugh.
She said Michael Jr. always dreamed about being a champion from a very young age.
Despite all of the fanfare and celebrity surrounding their oldest son, they know it's a moment he was born to thrive. All thanks to his love for football, faith and family.
"We just need to be ourselves, that's all we know," said Michael Sr. "Family. Love. That's who we are."