Kirk Cousins’ lack of success in the playoffs has been the narrative surrounding him for years. However, Cousins is far from a scrub and is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. At the 2012 NFL draft, the Washington Redskin (now known as Commanders) drafted him in the fourth round as a backup to Robert Griffin III. Griffin went on to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year and started most of the next three seasons, which left Cousins in the shadows.
Cousins patiently waited for his opportunity till 2015 when he finally got a chance to display his skills. He started for 16 games in the 2015 season and had 4166 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and was intercepted 11 times. However, the most important aspect of the 2015 season was leading the Redskins (now Commanders) to win the NFC East for the first time since 2012. Even though Cousins had a great run in 2015, he was also going to be a free agent. The Redskins (now Commanders) decided to franchise tag him for the next two seasons in 2016 and 2017. Cousins had one of his best seasons in 2016, throwing for 4917 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions which earned him his first ever pro-bowl nod. Cousins was also the first QB to repeat as a franchise tag player.
Despite putting up great numbers in 2017, going for 4093 passing yards, and 27 touchdowns, the Commanders decided to let him walk away from the team. Cousins and the Redskins (now Commanders) reportedly could not agree to a long-term deal which led to Cousins signing with the Minnesota Vikings after the end of the 2017 season. With the Vikings, Cousins got what he wanted as he picked up a three-year $84 million deal which was also fully guaranteed. He played well in his first season with the Vikings but they ended up missing the playoffs. Cousins won his first playoff game in January 2020 against the New Orleans Saints but they ended up losing to the 49ers.
Cousins had massive seasons with the Vikings in 2020 and 2021 and was also named to pro-bowl in 2021 but the Vikings missed the playoffs in both of those years. He helped the team reach the playoffs in 2022 but they were bounced out in the very first round by New York Giants.
Statistically, Cousins has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the past few seasons. However, his huge numbers have not led to team success. Kirk has a 76-67-2 record, which may indicate that he is a mediocre quarterback at best. A case could also be made that Cousins needs more talent around him, to have better success in the playoffs.
Kirk Cousins’ College
Kirk Cousins attended Michigan State and played for the Spartans from 2007-2011. He redshirted his first year of college and played as a backup QB to Brian Hoyer. However, in 2009 he started for the Spartans and put up 2680 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, on 9 interceptions. In 2010, he had 2825 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. In his final season with the Spartans, Cousins had 3316 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Cousins was named to the Second-team All-Big Ten in 2011 and the 2011 Lowes' Senior CLASS Award.
Kirk Cousins’ High School
Cousins attended Holland Christian High School based in Holland, Michigan, United States. Cousins was an all-around athlete and played football, basketball, and baseball. Unfortunately, Cousins broke his ankle which led him to attend camps in order to create some impression in front of the college recruits. Cousins was a three-star recruit who finished his high school football career with 3,204 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.
FAQ's On Kirk Cousins
A. Kirk Cousins is a quarterback.
A. Cousins began his career with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. He signed with Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
A. Kirk Cousins is 6 feet 3 inches tall.
A. He played college football at Michigan State University.
