“Brutal”: Fans Displeased as Jayden Daniels Takes the Lead Over Michael Penix Jr. In Heisman 2023

There is a catch in the very essence of the Heisman award. The Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to “the outstanding college football player in the United States whose performance epitomizes great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.” 

Tampa’s Michael Penix Jr. might have had the best career in terms of all Heisman Trophy winners, but Daniels had the most luxurious scoresheet for the year, and given the terms of the award, the athlete with the most favorable score for the season is set to win. Regardless of finishing second and missing the most coveted trophy of the year, Penix was able to leave a lasting impression, with his sartorial skills this time. 

NFL fans react to Daniels’ win over Penix in Heisman 2023

With 1,701 total points and a whooping 292 first-place votes, 6-foot-3, 213-pound senior, Penix was placed second in the Heisman race, after LSU senior quarterback Jayden Daniels who scored an impressive 2,029 points and 503 first-place votes. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with 885 points and  51 first-place votes came third, while Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. occupied the fourth place with 352 points and 20 first-place votes. 

Unhappy about the final declaration of the Heisman Trophy winner of the 2023 season, NFL fans have taken to the internet, voicing their disdain. “Brutal it should have been Penix!” said a fan on platform X, formerly Twitter. While another stated, “I don’t think enough people watched the games this year and only looked at numbers. Penix was far and away the most valuable player to his team.” Another fan decided to add some humor to the hurt, saying, “My friend my friend! I would have voted for Washington’s Penix myself.” While another voiced his bewilderment over the matter, “How was it not Penix??? I can’t wrap my head around this, similar to the FSU decision.” Penix was able to impress the NFL fans not only with his on-the-field performance but also through his tailored sartorial brilliance. 

Michael Penix Jr. wins hearts, not trophies 

Michael Penix Jr. left a lasting mark at the Heisman Trophy Ceremony at the Lincoln Center. The young athlete attended the prestigious event donning a custom-made suede suit in dark purple. The suit might not speak much as is, but once inverted, speaks volumes. Printed in bold black, on the inner lining of his suit were prominent names of UW coaches and teammates who had played an integral role in shaping the young athletes’s path. 

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“I wanted (the suit) to be something that was special to me,” said Penix, who wanted to share his achievement with others who had helped him achieve greater heights. “So I was able to have teammates and coaches’ names on the inside of it, just to highlight those guys. Because without them I wouldn’t be here.” Penix might have missed the trophy, but he did end up winning numerous hearts.

Penix was able to complete the 2023 season by completing 65.9% of his passes, throwing for 4,218 yards with 33 passing TDs, and nine interceptions. He was able to achieve an astonishing personal milestone by surpassing 4,000 passing yards in back-to-back seasons, a feat never achieved by another Husky. He has also led the nation in passing yards per game in both this and the previous season. Whereas, Daniels finished the regular season by completing 236-of-327 passing for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs. Completing 70% of his passes, the young athlete threw four interceptions. Regardless of his outstanding performance that landed him the Heisman Trophy, numerous NFL fans have sided with Penix. 

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