Kirk Daniel Cousins, born on August 19, 1988, is a prominent American football quarterback, currently plying his trade for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL).
His journey in football commenced during his college years, as he showcased his talents while playing for Michigan State.
In 2012, Kirk Cousins entered the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round by the Washington Redskins. He began his NFL journey as a backup to fellow rookie Robert Griffin III.
However, Cousins didn’t remain in the shadows for long. Cousins made intermittent appearances in games in his first three seasons, waiting for his opportunity.
That moment came in 2015 when he stepped in for Griffin following an injury. From that point, he became the linchpin of the team’s offense, maintaining his role as the starting quarterback until 2017.
His tenure with the Redskins was marked by numerous record-breaking achievements and earned him a coveted spot in the 2017 Pro Bowl.
Despite his on-field successes, contract negotiations with the Redskins hit a roadblock, leading Cousins to sign franchise tags for two years without securing a long-term deal with the team.
In 2018, he made a pivotal career move, inking a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
Kirk Cousins has etched his name among the elite in the NFL, boasting a remarkable fifth-place ranking in all-time completion percentage with at least 1,500 pass attempts.
Furthermore, he sits in the seventh spot in the NFL’s annals for regular season career passer rating.
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Kirk Cousins’s Early Life
Kirk Cousins was born in Barrington, Illinois, on August 19, 1988, to parents Don Cousins and Maryann Cousins. He is the second oldest child in his family.
Kirk’s formative years were marked by a passion for sports and an innate athletic talent. During his high school days at Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan, Kirk Cousins, I was genuinely shone as a multi-sport athlete.
He excelled in football and baseball, where he played as a third baseman and a pitcher, and in basketball, where he represented the Maroons’ athletic teams.
However, adversity struck when he fractured his ankle in his junior year. This setback led him to attend camps, where he strived to leave a lasting impression on college recruiters.
Despite the challenges, Cousins wrapped up his high school football career with impressive statistics, boasting 3,204 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.
Upon graduating from high school, Kirk Cousins decided to sign with either Toledo or Western Michigan for his college football journey.
However, his path took a different course when Mark Dantonio assumed the head coach role at Michigan State in 2007.
Dantonio, unable to secure his preferred quarterback recruits, extended a scholarship offer to Cousins, which Kirk wholeheartedly embraced. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his collegiate football journey.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Cousins was also engaged in the Athletes in Action sports ministry, highlighting his commitment to sports and his faith.
Kirk Cousins’s College career
Kirk Cousins’ journey in college football saw him redshirted for the 2007 season, a year of preparation and development.
In 2008, he assumed the role of backup quarterback to Brian Hoyer. During that season, Cousins saw action in five games, amassing 310 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
2009 marked a turning point in Cousins’ college career, he competed for and secured the starting quarterback position, edging out teammate Keith Nichol.
Cousins guided Michigan State to a 6-7 (4-4) season, showcasing his skills by throwing for 19 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and accumulating 2,680 passing yards over 12 games.
The following year, in 2010, Cousins guided Michigan State to an impressive 11-2 (7-1) record and a share of the Big Ten Championship, showcasing his prowess as a quarterback.
In 2011, the Spartans continued winning, finishing the season with an 11-3 (7-2) record and appearing in the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game.
Cousins stood out in the Big Ten Conference, leading in pass completions, pass attempts, and passing yards for the season. His outstanding performance earned him Second-team All-Big Ten recognition by the coaches.
Kirk Cousins played his final game as a Michigan State Spartan on January 2, 2012, in a triumphant victory over the Georgia Bulldogs at the Outback Bowl.
Throughout college, Cousins and his team boasted an undefeated 4-0 record against their in-state rival, the Michigan Wolverines.
Cousins’ accomplishments extended beyond the field as he received the 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.
Additionally, he pursued a degree in kinesiology, demonstrating his dedication to his education and football career.
Kirk Cousins’s Washington Redskins
In the 2012 NFL Draft, Kirk Cousins received the call from the Washington Redskins, becoming their seventh choice in the fourth round and the 102nd overall pick.
This selection raised eyebrows among many analysts because the Redskins had already drafted Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, as their second overall pick to serve as their franchise quarterback.
The decision to pick Cousins was seen as a move to ensure the team had an insurance policy in case Griffin sustained an injury.
Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan emphasized the importance of having a reliable backup, stating, “You’re one or two plays away from being the starter… And if I see that value out there on the draft’s third day, I will take that.”
The Redskins’ selection of both Griffin and Cousins in the same draft drew parallels to the team’s strategy in the 1994 NFL draft.
Back then, the Redskins had chosen Heath Shuler with the third overall pick and later opted to draft Gus Frerotte in the seventh round, demonstrating their commitment to securing their quarterback position.
Kirk Cousins in 2012: Rookie year
On May 31, 2012, Kirk Cousins inked a four-year contract with the Washington Redskins, officially beginning his NFL journey.
Cousins showcased his skills in the second preseason game against the Chicago Bears, impressively throwing three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, even though the Redskins ultimately fell short with a final score of 33–31.
In the final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cousins exhibited his potential by completing 15 of 27 passes for 222 yards, contributing to a resounding 30–3 victory for the Redskins.
These performances led to Cousins being named the backup quarterback, displacing the incumbent starter, Rex Grossman.
Kirk Cousins made his NFL debut in the third quarter of a Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons after Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion.
Cousins marked the occasion by throwing his first NFL touchdown pass, a 77-yard connection to Santana Moss. However, he also threw two interceptions in the game’s closing moments while attempting to mount a comeback.
Cousins’ second appearance in the NFL occurred in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens. In the closing moments of the game, with the Redskins trailing by 8 points and Griffin sustaining a knee injury, Cousins took the field.
He displayed composure and precision, completing two passes and concluding the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garçon, leaving the Redskins just 2 points shy of the Ravens.
In a dramatic two-point conversion play called by coach Shanahan, Cousins executed a quarterback draw to tie the game at 28. The Redskins ultimately secured victory in overtime with a final score of 31–28.
The following week, on December 15, 2012, Cousins was chosen as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins in their Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. This game marked his first NFL start.
After a slow start in the first half, Cousins led a remarkable offensive resurgence, contributing to a 28-point second half.
He completed the day with impressive stats, going 26-of-37 for 329 yards and throwing two touchdown passes, ultimately guiding the Redskins to a convincing 38–21 triumph.
Following this standout performance, Cousins was recognized as the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week, becoming the third Redskins rookie to earn this honor that season, following Griffin and Alfred Morris.
Kirk Cousins wrapped up his rookie season with 466 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions across three games, one of which he started.
The Redskins concluded the season with an impressive 10–6 record, clinching the top spot in the NFC East. However, their playoff journey ended in the Wild Card Round when they faced the Seattle Seahawks and suffered a 24–14 defeat.
Cousins entered the game late in the fourth quarter in relief of an injured Griffin, completing 3 of 10 passes for 31 yards, but could not engineer a late-game comeback.
Kirk Cousins in 2013: Backup year
On December 11, 2013, Kirk Cousins received the nod as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the year. This decision came as a result of Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan deactivating Robert Griffin III for the rest of the season.
The move was made to safeguard Griffin for the upcoming year, with Rex Grossman stepping in as Cousins’ backup.
In Week 15, the Redskins engaged in a closely contested battle with the Atlanta Falcons, ultimately succumbing to a narrow 27–26 loss.
Cousins exhibited his prowess, completing 29 of 45 passes for an impressive 381 yards, delivering three touchdowns and encountering two interceptions.
Kirk Cousins concluded his second professional season with a total of 854 passing yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions in five games, three of which he started as the Redskins’ quarterback.
Kirk Cousins in 2014: Backup year
On February 2, 2014, reports emerged that Kirk Cousins had expressed his openness to a potential trade from the Washington Redskins, indicating a desire for a change in his football career.
In March, Cousins generously offered his #12 jersey to incoming wide receiver Andre Roberts.
This act was part of a charitable arrangement, with Roberts receiving the jersey for a $12,000 donation to the Kirk Cousins Football Camp.
Cousins then made a jersey number change, opting for the #8, a number he had previously worn during high school and college football days.
During Week 2, an opportunity arose for Cousins to take the field when Robert Griffin III suffered a dislocated ankle in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Cousins made the most of the situation, contributing significantly with 250 passing yards and two touchdown passes in a convincing 41–10 victory.
Cousins delivered an exceptional performance in the subsequent game against the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for 427 yards, marking his first game with over 400 passing yards.
Despite his impressive efforts, the Redskins engaged in a closely contested battle but ultimately fell to the Eagles with a final score of 37–34.
The following week, in the game against the New York Giants, Cousins faced a challenging outing, with a lone touchdown pass accompanied by four interceptions and a lost fumble. The Redskins endured a resounding 45–14 loss, marked by a total of six turnovers.
In Week 5, facing the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle, Cousins displayed improvement from the previous disappointing loss to the Giants.
He tossed two touchdown passes without interceptions, including a remarkable 68-yard connection with DeSean Jackson. However, despite Cousins’ solid performance, the Redskins were unable to secure a victory and fell with a final score of 27–17.
Following a subpar first-half performance in the Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans, Cousins was benched at halftime in favor of backup quarterback Colt McCoy. This marked the end of Cousins’ game participation for the remainder of the season.
Kirk Cousins in 2015: Transition to starter
On August 31, 2015, Kirk Cousins received the nod as the starting quarterback for the season, a significant milestone that saw him take the reins from Robert Griffin III.
Cousins made a memorable mark on October 4 when he orchestrated a remarkable 90-yard game-winning drive against the Philadelphia Eagles, his first feat since 2012.
With less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, he made a crucial touchdown pass to Pierre Garçon, sealing a thrilling 23–20 victory.
An even more historic moment came on October 25 when Cousins played a pivotal role in the Redskins’ most significant comeback win in franchise history.
Trailing 24–0 in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cousins orchestrated a stunning comeback. He concluded the game with 317 yards and four total touchdowns, including three passing and one rushing.
The game peaked when Cousins delivered the game-winning touchdown pass to Jordan Reed in the closing seconds, sealing a memorable 33–30 victory.
In achieving this, Cousins tied a franchise record for completions in a game, matching Jason Campbell’s feat from 2007.
Cousins’ passionate exclamation “You like that?!” to reporters as he headed into the locker room after the game became an iconic catchphrase, embraced by Cousins, his teammates, and Redskins fans throughout the remainder of the season.
Cousins and his brother, Kyle, sought to trademark the catchphrase and initiated the sale of “You like that?!” T-shirts to raise funds for the International Justice Mission charitable organization.
Cousins’ outstanding performance against Tampa Bay earned him the title of NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
In a game against the New Orleans Saints on November 15, Cousins reached new heights by throwing a career-high four touchdowns and achieving a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
This accomplishment made him the first Redskins quarterback since 1950 to achieve such a feat with at least 20 pass attempts. Cousins again earned the title NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against the Saints.
Cousins’ prowess continued as he faced the Buffalo Bills on December 20, throwing four touchdowns and rushing for another in a Redskins victory. This marked his second game of the season with four passing touchdowns.
In a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cousins, despite taking an ill-advised quarterback kneel just before halftime, eventually passed for four touchdowns, marking his second consecutive four-touchdown performance and third of the season.
The victory over the Eagles with a score of 38–24 clinched the NFC East division title for the Redskins, a significant achievement.
Cousins was honored with the NFC Offensive Player of the Month award for December. He concluded the 2015 season with the highest completion percentage (74.7%) in home games in NFL history with a minimum of 100 attempts, leading the Redskins to a 6–2 home record.
He also became the first Redskins quarterback since Sonny Jurgensen in 1970 to record at least four passing touchdowns in three or more games in a single season.
In a game against the Dallas Cowboys on January 3, 2016, Cousins set the Redskins’ single-season passing yardage record with 4,166, surpassing Jay Schroeder’s 1986 record of 4,109.
Cousins also concluded the season with 29 passing touchdowns, second in Redskins history, just behind Jurgensen’s 31 in 1967, while maintaining a league-leading completion percentage of 69.8%, second in team history behind Sammy Baugh in 1945.
In the Wild Card Round on January 10, 2016, Cousins faced the Green Bay Packers, completing 29 of 46 passes for 329 yards and contributing two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).
However, he was sacked six times and lost one fumble. The game concluded with a 35–18 loss, marking the end of the Redskins’ season.
Cousins was honored with the PFWA Most Improved Player award, and his peers ranked him 85th in 2016 on the NFL Top 100 Players.
Kirk Cousins in 2016: First Pro Bowl selection
In the 2016 offseason, Kirk Cousins was poised to become an unrestricted free agent. However, the Washington Redskins opted to employ the non-exclusive franchise tag on him officially on March 1, 2016.
This strategic move translated into a one-year contract worth $20 million, effectively preventing other teams in the NFL from signing him unless they were willing to surrender two first-round draft picks to the Redskins.
A pivotal moment in Cousins’ 2016 season unfolded during the Week 8 International Series game at London’s Wembley Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In this game, Cousins delivered a career-best performance, amassing 458 passing yards, and the contest culminated in an unusual 27–27 tie. The unique outcome marked the first time a game in London ventured into overtime.
Three weeks later, against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins further showcased his talents, throwing for 375 yards and contributing three touchdowns in a decisive 42–24 victory. His impressive showing earned him his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week award.
Following the game against the Packers, a camera captured Cousins in a memorable exchange with Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan, in which he rhetorically asked, “How you like me now?”
Many in the media interpreted this moment as Cousins addressing concerns about his impending and potentially lucrative long-term contract with the team.
On Thanksgiving Day, Cousins performed in a 31–26 road loss against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 41 out of 53 passes, amassing 449 yards and tossing three touchdowns without a single interception.
This outstanding performance propelled him to second on the list of most passing yards in a Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history.
Cousins received the NFC Offensive Player Of The Month award for his accomplishments in November, marking his second time winning the accolade.
In Week 16, on Christmas Eve, in a game against the Chicago Bears, Cousins achieved a career milestone by rushing for two touchdowns, contributing to a resounding 41–21 road victory.
Despite narrowly missing the playoffs, Cousins led the Redskins to a winning record of 8–7–1 and concluded the season with a career-high 4,917 passing yards, which ranked third in the NFL, trailing only Drew Brees and Matt Ryan.
His performance also shattered various personal and team records set the previous year. Cousins’ impressive 67% completion percentage ranked seventh in the league, and his 45.7% deep-ball completion percentage placed him fifth among NFL quarterbacks in 2016.
Cousins’ remarkable season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, filling in for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who could not participate due to the Falcons’ appearance in Super Bowl LI.
During the Pro Bowl, Cousins played for most of the second half and notably forced a fumble on Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib, displaying his determination after chasing him down the field following an interception late in the fourth quarter.
Additionally, Cousins secured the 70th spot in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 as ranked by his peers.
Kirk Cousins in 2017: Final year in Washington
Once again, as the offseason of 2017 approached, Kirk Cousins faced the prospect of becoming an unrestricted free agent. In a bid to secure his services long-term, the Washington Redskins and Cousins engaged in negotiations.
However, they could only agree on the exclusive franchise tag, officially sealed on February 28, 2017. This decision made Cousins the first quarterback in NFL history to be franchise-tagged in consecutive years.
During a standout performance in Week 3, where the Redskins secured a convincing 27–10 victory over the Oakland Raiders on NBC Sunday Night Football, Cousins shone, completing 25 of 30 passes for a season-high 365 yards and delivering three touchdowns.
His outstanding performance earned him his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week award, highlighting his impact on the game.
In Week 10, in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins equaled his single-game career-high by rushing for two touchdowns, although the Redskins ultimately fell short in a 38–30 loss.
The 2017 season concluded with the Redskins posting a 7–9 record and narrowly missing the playoffs.
Kirk Cousins wrapped up the season having completed 347 of 540 pass attempts for 4,093 yards, contributing 27 touchdowns, and encountering 13 interceptions.
Notably, this marked his third consecutive season, surpassing the 4,000-yard passing mark. In addition to his impressive passing statistics, Cousins rushed 49 times for 179 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns.
In the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018, Cousins was ranked 94th, as determined by his fellow players.
Kirk Cousins’s Minnesota Vikings
March 15, 2018, marked a pivotal moment in Kirk Cousins’ career as he inked a groundbreaking deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
The contract, which spanned three years, was fully guaranteed and came with a staggering value of $84 million.
This historic agreement stood as the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history at the time of signing, making it a landmark in the league’s financial landscape.
Kirk Cousins in 2018
Kirk Cousins made his much-anticipated debut for the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
In this game, he showcased his skills by passing for 244 yards and delivering two touchdowns, ultimately securing a 24–16 victory.
The following game pitted Cousins and the Vikings against the Green Bay Packers, a contest that ended in a dramatic 29–29 tie.
In this high-stakes match, Cousins impressed with 425 passing yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.
Two weeks later, during a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Cousins continued to shine by throwing for 422 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Vikings fell short in a 38–31 road loss.
Despite Cousins’ strong statistical performance early in the season, issues related to consistency within the offense and coaching staff began to affect the Vikings’ overall performance.
With a 6–5–1 record leading into Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings remained in contention for the playoffs.
However, a disheartening 21–7 loss on Monday Night Football led to the firing of offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. The Vikings rebounded with two consecutive victories in the following games, facing the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions.
Cousins contributed significantly to these wins, passing for five touchdowns with just a single interception. The regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears was a crucial match for the Vikings, as a win would have secured their playoff berth.
Unfortunately, they fell short with a 24–10 defeat, with Cousins passing for 132 yards and a touchdown. Kirk Cousins concluded his first season with the Vikings having amassed 4,298 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
He also made contributions on the ground, accumulating 123 rushing yards and a touchdown. In the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019, Cousins was ranked 78th, as determined by his fellow players.
Kirk Cousins in 2019: First playoff win
Kirk Cousins kicked off the season in a substantial manner during the opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a convincing 28–12 victory.
In the next game against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins encountered a mixed performance. He completed 14 passes for 230 yards, securing a touchdown and suffering two interceptions in a 21–16 road loss.
The following week, in a matchup with the Oakland Raiders, Cousins was more on target. He completed 15 passes for 174 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown pass, as the Vikings secured a 34–14 win.
Week 4 saw Cousins facing the Chicago Bears, a game where he encountered challenges. Although he had two fumbles and couldn’t manage a passing touchdown, he completed 27 passes for 233 yards in a 16–6 road loss.
In the following game against the New York Giants, Cousins rebounded with a stellar performance. He completed 22 passes for 306 yards and delivered two touchdowns, contributing to a 28–10 road victory.
Week 6 brought a noteworthy performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, where Cousins threw for 333 yards, delivered four touchdowns, and faced an interception in a 38–20 victory.
During Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, Cousins continued to impress, passing for 337 yards and delivering four touchdowns in a 42–30 road victory.
Cousins’ outstanding display earned him the October NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors.
In Week 11, Cousins faced the Denver Broncos and delivered 319 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings mounted a remarkable comeback to win 27–23, overcoming a 20-point first-half deficit.
In a Monday Night Football showdown against the Seattle Seahawks two weeks later, Cousins threw for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Vikings fell short in a 37–30 road loss, extending Cousins’ record to 0–8 on Mondays.
During Week 16, in another Monday Night Football game against the Packers, Cousins passed for 122 yards, securing a touchdown and suffering an interception in a 23–10 loss.
This loss clinched the NFC North division title for the Packers and extended Cousins’ Monday Night Football record to 0–9.
With the Vikings’ playoff position secured, Cousins did not play in the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.
In the 2019 season, he threw for 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions and ran for 63 yards with a rushing touchdown. Cousins earned his second Pro Bowl selection that year.
During the NFC Wild Card Round against the New Orleans Saints, he had an exceptional performance, passing for 242 yards and connecting with tight end Kyle Rudolph for the game-winning touchdown in overtime, which led to a 26–20 victory on the road.
However, in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, Cousins faced more challenges, throwing for 172 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a 27–10 road loss.
In the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020, Cousins was ranked 58th, as determined by his fellow players.
Kirk Cousins in 2020
On March 18, 2020, Kirk Cousins put pen to paper on a significant contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, signing a two-year deal worth $66 million.
During Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Indianapolis Colts, Cousins had a challenging outing, throwing for 113 yards and suffering three interceptions in a disappointing 28–11 road loss.
His performance earned him a total quarterback rating of 15.9, marking the third-lowest mark in Vikings franchise history.
Cousins’ Week 3 matchup with the Tennessee Titans saw him rebound with a much-improved performance. He threw for 251 yards, securing three touchdowns and suffering two interceptions during a close 31–30 loss.
The following week, in a clash with the Houston Texans, Cousins delivered a more solid performance, passing for 260 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a 31–23 road victory, which marked the Vikings’ first win of the season.
However, in a subsequent matchup against the Atlanta Falcons two weeks later, Cousins faced challenges, throwing for 343 yards and delivering three touchdowns but also suffering three interceptions, all of which occurred in the first half of the game, leading to a 40–23 loss.
Three weeks later, facing the Detroit Lions, Cousins rebounded, throwing for 220 yards and securing three touchdowns on only 13 completions during a 34–20 win.
In Week 10, Cousins faced the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football and delivered a strong performance, throwing for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 19–13 road victory.
This marked Cousins’ first-ever win on Monday Night Football, having previously gone 0–9 in his career. Week 11 pitted Cousins against the Dallas Cowboys, and he threw for 318 yards and secured three touchdowns in a closely contested 31–28 loss.
In the subsequent game against the Carolina Panthers, Cousins continued his solid form, throwing for 307 yards and delivering three touchdowns in a thrilling 28–27 comeback victory.
This marked his fourth consecutive game with a passer rating exceeding 100, earning him the honor of NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
The following week, in a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cousins threw for 305 yards, secured three touchdowns, and suffered an interception in a hard-fought 27–24 overtime victory.
However, in a game against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day, Cousins encountered a challenge. He threw for 291 yards and secured three touchdowns but faced a 33–52 road loss that eliminated the Vikings from postseason contention.
Cousins concluded the regular season on a high note in a matchup with the Lions, throwing for 405 yards and securing three touchdowns while rushing for another in a thrilling 37–35 road victory.
His performance earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week distinction. In the 2020 season, Cousins amassed 4,265 passing yards, delivered 35 touchdowns, and faced 13 interceptions, rushing for 156 yards and securing a touchdown.
Kirk Cousins in 2021: Third Pro Bowl selection
Kirk Cousins kicked off the 2021 season with a strong showing, amassing 351 passing yards and delivering two touchdowns in an overtime road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, with a final score of 27–24.
In Week 11, Cousins faced the Green Bay Packers and put on an impressive display, completing 24 of 35 attempts for 341 passing yards and securing three passing touchdowns in a thrilling 34–31 victory.
However, Week 13 presented a setback, as Cousins went 30-of-40 in pass completions for 340 yards, delivering two touchdowns, but the Vikings suffered a narrow 27–29 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions.
Cousins became a focal point of controversy due to his decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, although he agreed to adhere to NFL protocols.
His comments, reflecting a personal choice, led to repercussions, with Holland Hospital, an organization for which Cousins had served as a spokesperson, announcing his indefinite role discontinuation.
Before Week 17, Cousins was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and ruled out for the game against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings lost this game with a score of 37–10, thereby eliminating them from playoff contention.
Cousins wrapped up the season with notable statistics, amassing 4,221 passing yards, delivering 33 touchdowns, and encountering seven interceptions, in addition to gaining 115 rushing yards and securing a touchdown.
Cousins earned his third Pro Bowl nomination for his performance and was ranked 99th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.
Kirk Cousins in 2022: NFC North Title, Fourth Pro Bowl selection
On March 13, 2022, Kirk Cousins inked a one-year, fully guaranteed contract extension worth $35 million, securing his presence with the team through the 2023 season.
In the season opener against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins displayed his prowess, completing 23-of-32 passes for 277 yards, delivering two touchdowns, and achieving an impressive 118.9 passer rating, leading the Vikings to a convincing 23–7 victory.
However, the following week, when facing the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, Cousins endured a tough outing, completing 27 of 46 attempts for 221 yards, registering one touchdown but also grappling with three interceptions, resulting in a disheartening 7–24 loss.
In Week 5, against the Chicago Bears, Cousins accomplished a remarkable feat by completing a one-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Reagor, marking his 19th consecutive completion, with 17 occurring at the beginning of the game and two from the previous week’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
This achievement surpassed Tommy Kramer’s team record of 16 consecutive completions set during the 1979 season. In Week 6, facing the Miami Dolphins, Cousins threw for 175 yards and secured two touchdowns, guiding the Vikings to a solid 24–16 win.
During the subsequent bye week, Cousins exhibited prowess by completing 24 36 passes for 232 passing yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Vikings to a 34–26 victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
In Week 10, against the Buffalo Bills, Cousins showcased his skills by completing 30-of-50 passes for 357 passing yards, delivering one passing touchdown, and dealing with two interceptions, eventually securing a 33–30 overtime win.
In Week 14, when facing the Detroit Lions, Cousins exhibited his ability by passing for 425 yards and two touchdowns, but despite his performance, the Vikings experienced a 34–23 loss.
Week 15 saw a remarkable performance by Cousins during a game against the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 34 of 54 passes for a career-high 460 passing yards, registered four touchdowns and two interceptions, securing a 39–36 overtime win.
This game was highlighted by the Vikings completing the largest comeback in NFL history. Moreover, the win clinched the NFC North for the Vikings for the first time since 2017, and Cousins earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 15.
The following week, in a Christmas Eve matchup against the New York Giants at home, Cousins led the way by completing 34 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
He orchestrated a last-minute drive that concluded with kicker Greg Joseph making the longest field goal in Vikings’ history, a 61-yard attempt, securing a 27–24 victory.
Cousins showcased his ability to deliver game-winning drives by leading the NFL with eight such drives during the 2022 season, tying an NFL record (since 1960) held by Matthew Stafford for a single season in 2016.
As a result of his outstanding 2022 season, Cousins earned a Pro Bowl selection, culminating in a year where he achieved 4,547 passing yards, delivered 29 touchdowns, and contended with 14 interceptions, securing two rushing touchdowns.
Cousins started all 17 games, propelling the Vikings to a 13–4 record and capturing the NFC North title. In the first playoff game, the Vikings ranked third, played against the sixth-seeded Giants on January 15, 2023. They played at their home stadium.
Cousins had a solid individual performance, completing 31-of-39 passes for 273 yards, securing two touchdowns without any interceptions, and adding a rushing touchdown.
Despite his efforts, the Vikings were bested by a Giants offense led by Daniel Jones, who accumulated over 300 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 78 rushing yards, resulting in a 31–24 victory for the Giants.
Kirk Cousins in 2023
In the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 29, 2023, Kirk Cousins encountered a devastating setback when he sustained a season-ending torn Achilles injury in the fourth quarter.
Consequently, on October 31, 2023, he was designated for the injured reserve list.
Kirk Cousins’s Career records
NFL Records
- He tied for the most game-winning drives in a season with 8 (shared with Matthew Stafford).
- He tied for the fourth-quarter comebacks in a season with 8 (shared with Matthew Stafford).
- Engineered the largest comeback in NFL history, overcoming a 33-point deficit.
Minnesota Vikings Franchise Records
- Currently, he possesses the franchise record for the most pass completions in a regular season with 425.
- Additionally, he secured the franchise record for the most consecutive games with a passing touchdown, an impressive streak of 39 consecutive games.
- Holds the franchise record for the most consecutive pass attempts without an interception, with a streak of 224.
- He established the franchise record for the most consecutive pass completions to start a game with 17.
Washington Commanders Franchise Records
- He achieved 300-yard passing games in a season with 7 (in 2015 and 2016).
- Holds the franchise record for the most 300-yard passing games in a career with 23.
- Set records for the most pass completions in a regular season (406) and the most pass attempts in a regular season (606).
- Holds the franchise record for the most consecutive passes without an interception at home with 232.
- He recorded the most 400-yard passing games in his career with 3.
- Holds the record for the most 4,000-yard passing seasons, totaling 3.
- He achieved the most consecutive 4,000-yard passing seasons with 3.
- He established a new franchise record by amassing 4,917 passing yards in a single season.
Kirk Cousins’s Personal Life
Cousins is a devout Evangelical Christian. He exchanged vows with Julie Hampton on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia.
As of 2019, Cousins and his wife have been blessed with two sons named Cooper and Turner. During his tenure with the Redskins, Cousins gained the affectionate nickname “Captain Kirk” from the media due to his leadership qualities, playfully alluding to the iconic Star Trek character.
He also featured in numerous commercials, collaborating with former Washington teammates Josh Norman and Ryan Kerrigan to promote Easterns Automotive, a pre-owned car dealership in the Washington, D.C. region.
Notably, Cousins is related to Jake Cousins, the current pitcher for the Houston Astros. Furthermore, he has shown his support for Compassion International and their admirable “Fill the Stadium” initiative, reflecting his commitment to charitable causes.
In an exciting development, Cousins allowed cameras to capture his life on and off the field during the 2022 NFL season as part of a documentary series produced by Netflix and NFL Films.
This captivating “Quarterback” series debuted on Netflix on July 12, 2023, offering an intimate look at his journey.
References
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- Kirk Cousins Contact Details – CelebContactDetails
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- 2016 SEC Season Preview – Texas A&M Aggies Projection – TeamSpeedKills
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- Colts Wide Receiver Donte Moncrief Expected to Return to Practice This Week – StampedeBlue
- Derwin James – SportsPundit
- Where Is Lane Johnson From? What Is Lane Johnson’s Nationality? – MUFCArena
- Nebraska Huskers Football – Ameer Abdullah Player of the Week – CornNation
- Kirk Cousins – FantasyFootballCalculator
- Cousins Wiki – DemontFordBell
- Calais Campbell – Wikipedia
- University of Central Florida Football Jumps to 15th in the Associated Press Top 25 – SpaceCoastDaily
- Adrian Peterson Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week – SBNation
- 5 Football Players Crash Records – OurDavie
- Giants vs. Jets Week 6 – The Ghosts of History Past – SBNation
- Cousins Wiki – Forsaljningavaktiertzoe
- Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Officially Inactive – FantasyGuru
- Shanahan Yet to Pick a Starter but Praises Beck’s Play – NFL
- Kirk Cousins Net Worth – Glusea
- Kirk Cousins Net Worth, Height, Weight, Age, Girlfriend, Wife, Kids 2021, 2022, 2023 – TheWealthRecord
- Adrian Peterson – Wikimili
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