Celebrating love is nothing new for Michael Penix Jr. The quarterback, who graduated from the University of Washington, made his NFL debut after being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in April 2024.
He secured the starting quarterback position in December of the same year. Throughout these important milestones, his fiancée, Olivia Carter, has been a steadfast supporter. On December 29, 2024, the couple announced their engagement through a joint Instagram post featuring pictures from Penix Jr.’s proposal.
While the exact timeline of their relationship remains unclear, their social media activity indicates they began dating as early as November 2023. In December of that year, Penix Jr. shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram Stories, expressing how Carter is his “ride or die.”
His emotional message highlighted his gratitude for her unwavering support during challenging times, noting how her presence always brings a smile to his face.
He expressed his blessings to be part of her life, praising her inner and outer beauty. Who exactly is Michael Penix Jr.’s fiancée? Here’s a closer look at Olivia Carter and her relationship with the NFL star.
Originally from Washington
Carter resides in Seattle, a short distance from her hometown of Kent, Washington, as indicated in her Instagram bio. Raised by her parents, Christopher and Regina Carter, she grew up alongside her two brothers, Quincy and Theo.
According to the Kent Reporter, she started at Renton High School before transferring to Kent-Meridian in her sophomore year. In April 2017, she shared that her family has a strong athletic background, stating, “We all do sports.” Inspired by her mother, a former track star, Carter pursued athletics herself.
Her father, who played basketball, consistently supported her track endeavors, ensuring he attended every meet. “I don’t remember a meet they’ve missed,” Carter remarked, showing gratitude for her parents’ dedication. Quincy continued the family legacy by becoming a running back at Central Washington University.
She earned her degree from the University of Nevada
In May 2022, Carter announced her upcoming graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in biology. Initially committed to Portland State University, she accepted a soccer scholarship from the University of Nevada.
“I’m super excited,” she told the outlet in February 2018, sharing her enthusiasm for the coaches, beautiful campus, and vibrant atmosphere in Reno, which she felt would help her achieve her goals. She aspired to become an anesthesiologist, according to the report.
A dedicated student-athlete
Carter has been passionate about soccer since she was four years old. “Athletics is just my life. That is all I do,” she stated in April 2017, emphasizing her commitment to training and her love for running.
At the University of Nevada, she played as both a defender and a forward on the women’s soccer team. During an October 2021 Instagram video, Carter mentioned that her favorite moment was “winning against UNLV last year at senior night.” After graduation, she planned to take time off to travel and be with her family before applying to medical school.
They confirmed their relationship in late 2023
Details about how the couple first met remain unclear, but they began sharing glimpses of their relationship on Instagram in November 2023. At that time, Carter posted a picture of them at a University of Washington football game with the caption, “LOVE U.”
Penix Jr. reciprocated the affection by reposting her photo and expressing his love in return. Since then, they have chronicled their adventures together, including trips to Jamaica in May 2024 and Hawaii in July.
Carter was present for pivotal moments in Penix Jr.’s career
In April 2024, Penix Jr. received the life-changing call about being drafted to the Atlanta Falcons while at home in Tampa, with Carter by his side. In December, he was informed he would be the starting quarterback, and he later shared during a press conference that she was with him when he learned the news.
“I was shopping with my girlfriend at Costco when I got the call about being the starting quarterback for the rest of the season,” he recalled, humorously adding that he lost his appetite for a hot dog upon receiving the call.
Expressing gratitude for her support throughout his journey, Penix Jr. shared a collection of photos on Instagram in May 2024, celebrating their relationship and stating, “I forever want you next to me.”
Carter cherishes her bond with Penix Jr.
In a heartfelt birthday tribute in May 2024, she expressed her love for him on Instagram, stating, “Celebrating you is easy and loving you is even easier.”
She conveyed her appreciation for his genuine self and the way he loves her, describing her feelings as surreal and uplifting. “You make me feel on top of the world every single day,” she shared.
Carter emphasized that Penix Jr. is her best friend and the man she has always prayed for, expressing gratitude for their connection and stating that the best chapter of her life began when he entered it.
Their engagement took place in December 2024
The couple celebrated their engagement by sharing photos from the proposal in a joint Instagram post in December 2024. The romantic setting included red roses and large block letters spelling out “MARRY ME.”
The post featured the caption, “the sweetest love ❤️ Olivia and Michael 12.24.2024.” Additionally, Penix Jr. shared a video showcasing the proposal setup, complete with red candles and the moment he got down on one knee. “I will love you forever 🤞🏾 I can’t wait to do life with you ❤️💍,” he expressed in his heartfelt message.
