By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is back with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings acquired Cousins in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round draft pick.
Cousins has played in the NFL for 15 seasons. Six of them came with the Vikings. In 88 career starts with Minnesota, Cousins has thrown 171 touchdown passes, 23,265 passing yards, and has a 67.9 percent completion percentage. He has made three of his four Pro Bowl selections as a Viking.
During his media press conference interview, Cousins started with a classy appreciation for the military service on a day like Veterans Day.
“Gratitude for our soldiers who protect us and give us the freedom to be able to play professional football,” Cousins said.
Cousins thanked the Raiders organization for the opportunity. He’s looking forward to putting in the work week in and week out now that he’s back in Minnesota.
“You can’t play this position if it’s not instinctive,” Cousins said. “You’re just reacting and playing rather than thinking.”
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been frustrated with the offense lately. Bringing Cousins back into the offense might put Jefferson at ease. The quarterback and receiver have a good connection.
“For me with Justin, it’s a play-to-play; you play in and play out,” Cousins said. “You’re always going where your reads take you. Kevin will always do a great job of trying to give him opportunities, and he’s always done a great job of making us look smart.”
Cousins is all about moving forward. He’s looking forward to playing at Lambeau Field. Vikings and Packers have an intense rivalry. It’s a full-circle situation because, in Cousins’ last game as a Viking, he faced the Packers and tore an Achilles in Week 8 of that 2023 season.
Cousins entered that game leading the NFL in touchdown passes (16) and ranked second in passing yards (2,057). He was having a great game before the injury, completing 23 of 31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns.
Cousins’ entry into the career has been unfinished business. He still has more to accomplish. His second stint with the Vikings will drive him to make every possession mean something. Cousins is very proud to see his recognizable faces again. He truly admires and loves this organization.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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