Olivia Carter is the wife of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The couple tied the knot on May 2, 2026, in a beautiful ceremony at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia, surrounded by family, friends, and several of Penix’s Falcons teammates.
Their love story is one of two college athletes who found each other at the right time, built a life together through the ups and downs of professional sports, and recently celebrated their union as Penix continues his NFL journey.
Olivia Carter’s Background and Early Life
Olivia Carter grew up in Kent, Washington, a short drive from Seattle, where she now resides when she’s not in Atlanta. She comes from a deeply athletic family, which explains her own competitive drive.
- Parents: Christopher and Regina Carter. Her mother was a track star and now serves as principal of Madrona Elementary School in Seattle. Her father played basketball.
- Siblings: Two brothers, Quincy and Theo. Quincy played running back at Central Washington University and now works as a head football coach at Mount Rainier High School. Theo ran track at Kent-Meridian High School.
From a young age, Olivia was immersed in sports. She played soccer starting at age four and competed in basketball and track during high school at Kent-Meridian, where she graduated in 2018. Athletics, as she once put it, was simply her life.
Her College Soccer Career and Academic Ambitions
Olivia took her soccer talents to the University of Nevada, Reno, where she played for the Wolf Pack and served as team captain. Balancing Division I athletics with a rigorous academic load, she pursued a challenging biochemistry degree and graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in biology.
Her original plan after graduation was to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist. Instead, life took a different turn when she moved back to Seattle—and met a certain University of Washington quarterback.
How Olivia Carter and Michael Penix Jr. Met
Their paths crossed through the college sports world. Olivia, who had returned to the Seattle area after graduating, met Penix while he was playing football at the University of Washington after transferring there in 2021.
The connection was immediate, though they kept their relationship relatively private at first. They began appearing on each other’s Instagram Stories in November 2023, with Olivia sharing a photo from a UW football game and writing, “LOVE U.” Penix reposted it and replied, “I love you”.
By the time the 2024 NFL Draft rolled around, they were walking in together hand in hand, a clear sign that their relationship had become serious.
The Proposal and Engagement
Penix proposed on Christmas Eve 2024 in a scene straight out of a romantic movie. He set up a massive “MARRY ME” sign surrounded by red roses and got down on one knee.
They announced their engagement on December 29, 2024, with a joint Instagram post captioned: “the sweetest love ❤️ Olivia and Michael 12.24.2024” .
The Wedding: May 2, 2026
The couple married on May 2, 2026, at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, a luxury destination just outside Atlanta. The timing was significant: Penix was in the middle of rehabbing from a partially torn ACL he suffered in November 2025, and the wedding gave him a joyful milestone during a challenging recovery period.
The Ceremony and Celebration
- Olivia’s Look: She wore a strapless white gown with a corset top from En Blanc Bride Atlanta, while Penix wore a custom suit from Unique Threads and a black tuxedo with a bow tie.
- The Venue: The ceremony featured a pristine white aesthetic that transitioned into a bold red and black color scheme for the reception—a subtle nod to the Falcons’ team colors.
- Falcons Teammates in Attendance: The guest list was stacked with NFL stars, including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback AJ Terrell, and former Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot.
- A Touching Moment: One photo captured Penix wiping tears from his eyes at the altar—a raw, emotional moment that resonated with fans.
The couple shared the news on Instagram with the caption: “Till death do us part” alongside a diamond ring emoji. Videos later surfaced of Penix dancing at the reception, which fans optimistically interpreted as a positive sign for his ACL recovery.
A Birthday Celebration Too
The wedding weekend coincided with Penix’s 26th birthday on May 8. Olivia shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “So happy to be able to celebrate you today as your wife!!!” and “From the moment we have met you have been so easy to love. You are the kindest, most thoughtful and the most hilarious man I know”.
Penix reposted a reception photo with the caption: “I love you Mrs. Penix”.
A Supportive Partnership Through Career Highs and Lows
Olivia has been by Penix’s side through some of the most pivotal moments of his football career—from his final season at Washington to being drafted No. 8 overall by the Falcons in 2024, to his rookie season, to the ACL injury that cut his 2025 campaign short.
Her own background as a Division I athlete and team captain gives her a unique understanding of the pressures and demands of professional sports. She’s not just a supportive partner—she’s someone who has lived the athlete’s life herself.
Now, as Penix works to return to the field and compete for the Falcons’ starting quarterback job, he does so as a married man, with Olivia cheering him on from the sidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Olivia Carter?
Olivia Carter is the wife of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. She is a former college soccer player and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, with a degree in biology.
When did Michael Penix Jr. and Olivia Carter get married?
They married on May 2, 2026, at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia.
How did Olivia Carter and Michael Penix Jr. meet?
They met while Penix was playing football at the University of Washington and Olivia had moved back to the Seattle area after graduating from the University of Nevada.
What does Olivia Carter do for a living?
Olivia graduated with a biology degree and had planned to attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist. Her current professional focus has not been publicly detailed, though she maintains a presence on social media as Mrs. Penix.
Where is Olivia Carter from?
She is from Kent, Washington, and her Instagram bio lists her location as Seattle.
Did Olivia Carter play sports in college?
Yes, she played soccer at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she served as team captain and earned a degree in biology in 2022.
How long were Michael Penix Jr. and Olivia Carter together before marrying?
They went public with their relationship in late 2023, got engaged on Christmas Eve 2024, and married in May 2026—so roughly two and a half years from when they first appeared publicly as a couple.
A Love Story Built on Shared Passions
Olivia Carter and Michael Penix Jr.’s relationship is grounded in mutual respect, shared athletic backgrounds, and a deep partnership that has weathered the highs of a top-10 NFL draft pick and the lows of a season-ending injury.
Their wedding was a celebration of that journey—and the beginning of a new chapter as Mr. and Mrs. Penix.
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