Kirk Cousins: A Journey from Michigan State to NFL Stardom
Kirk Daniel Cousins, born on August 19, 1988, in Barrington, Illinois, has carved out a notable career as an American football quarterback. Currently a key player for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL), Cousins’ journey to professional football has been one of determination, resilience, and consistent performance.1
His early years as a college football standout at Michigan State University laid the foundation for his success in the NFL, where he continues to make a significant impact.
Table of Contents
Early Life and College Football Success
Kirk Cousins grew up in a sports-loving family, and from a young age, it was evident that he had a natural talent for football. He attended Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan, where he became a star quarterback, attracting attention for his poise and leadership on the field.
Cousins’ strong arm, football IQ, and decision-making abilities made him a top prospect for college football programs.
Entering the NFL: Drafted by Washington
Despite his impressive college career, Kirk Cousins was not considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft. Many analysts viewed him as a mid-round pick who would likely serve as a backup in the NFL.
Cousins was ultimately selected in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Washington Redskins. The decision to draft Cousins was surprising, especially considering Washington had already used their first-round pick to select another quarterback, Robert Griffin III (RGIII), with the second overall pick.
Rising to the Challenge: Starting Role in Washington
By 2015, Kirk Cousins had solidified his position as Washington’s starting quarterback. That season marked a turning point in his career as he led the team to an NFC East division title and a playoff appearance. Cousins’ breakout year was highlighted by his ability to command the offense and deliver accurate passes under pressure.
He finished the 2015 season with 4,166 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. His catchphrase “You like that?” after a comeback win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became a viral sensation, further boosting his popularity.
A New Chapter: Joining the Minnesota Vikings
In 2018, Kirk Cousins became one of the most sought-after free agents in NFL history. After six seasons with Washington, Cousins was ready for a fresh start, and the Minnesota Vikings provided the perfect opportunity. The Vikings, coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance, were in need of a reliable quarterback to lead their talented roster.2
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Cousins signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with the Vikings, making him the first player in NFL history to sign a fully guaranteed multi-year deal.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins Admits Anticipating Eagles’ Win on MNF Nail-Biting Final Drive
Professional Career: From Backup to Franchise Quarterback
Kirk Cousins’ professional career began in 2012 when the Washington Redskins selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, using the 102nd overall pick.3
This decision came as a surprise to many analysts and fans, as the Redskins had already invested their second overall pick in Robert Griffin III (RGIII), the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, to be their franchise quarterback.
A Surprising Draft Pick: Competing with Robert Griffin III
The Redskins’ decision to draft Cousins raised eyebrows across the league. With RGIII being touted as the future of the franchise, many questioned why the team would select another quarterback in the same draft.
However, Washington’s front office justified the move by pointing out that depth at the quarterback position was crucial, especially in the event of injuries. Little did they know how quickly this decision would pay off.
Stepping In: Cousins’ Early Opportunities
RGIII’s dynamic rookie season was followed by a string of injuries that began to derail his career. As Griffin struggled to stay healthy, Cousins was called upon to step in on several occasions. In 2013, Cousins got his first real chance to start when RGIII was sidelined with a knee injury.
Though the Redskins’ overall team performance was inconsistent, Cousins showed he was capable of handling the pressures of the starting role.
Breakout Year: Leading Washington to the Playoffs
The 2015 season marked a turning point in Cousins’ career. As the starting quarterback for Washington, he led the team to an NFC East division title and a playoff berth. Cousins’ accuracy, decision-making, and leadership were on full display throughout the season. He threw for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns, with only 11 interceptions.
Personal Life: Marriage to Julie Hampton
Kirk Cousins’ success on the football field is matched by the support and stability he has found in his personal life, particularly through his marriage to Julie Hampton.
Their relationship began long before Cousins became an NFL starter, and Julie has been a consistent source of encouragement and strength throughout his journey in professional football. A few months after they got engaged in 2013, the couple married on June 28, 2014, in a beautiful ceremony in Atlanta.
Twitter is obsessed with Kirk Cousins dancing at NFL Honors https://t.co/JQFxlPPB55 pic.twitter.com/JH1voyBKPi
— TheVikingsWire (@TheVikingsWire) February 10, 2024
Kirk Wears His Wedding Band on the Field: A Symbol of Commitment
One of the unique aspects of Cousins’ marriage to Julie is that he wears his wedding band while playing football, an uncommon practice among NFL players. In an interview with USA Today, Cousins shared the story behind this decision, explaining how much it meant to both him and Julie.
“My wife was thrilled. She loved it, and honestly, after I started wearing it and realized how much my wife was glad that I did, I realized, you know, I think it’s a good thing to promote marriage,” he said.
Building a Family: Kirk and Julie’s Life Together
Since their wedding in 2014, Kirk and Julie Cousins have expanded their family, welcoming two sons, Cooper and Turner. Their family life remains private, but Kirk has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating birthdays and family milestones.
The couple places a strong emphasis on faith, family values, and creating a stable and loving environment for their children.
Faith as a Cornerstone of Their Marriage
Faith plays an integral role in Kirk and Julie’s relationship. The couple shares a deep Christian faith, which has been a foundation of their marriage from the beginning. They have been open about how their faith has shaped their worldview and their approach to family, marriage, and life.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins Age: Unveiling the Quarterback Birth Year
Kirk Cousins’ Net Worth in 2024: A Testament to His NFL Success
- Kirk Cousins, one of the most successful and highly paid quarterbacks in the NFL, has built a remarkable career both in terms of on-field performance and financial success.
- As of August 2024, Cousins’ net worth stands at a staggering $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
- Over the course of his 12-year NFL career, Cousins has earned close to $230 million through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, as reported by Spotrac.
- This accumulation of wealth underscores not only his skill as a player but also his keen ability to navigate the business side of professional football.
The Early Years: A Modest Start
Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) in the 2012 NFL Draft as the 102nd overall pick.
Drafted in the fourth round, Cousins did not enter the league with the same fanfare as top prospects, as Washington had already drafted Robert Griffin III (RGIII) with the second overall pick in the same draft to be their franchise quarterback. Consequently, his first NFL contract was modest, signing a four-year deal worth $2.5 million.
Breakthrough and Franchise Tags: The Road to Wealth
Cousins’ breakthrough came in 2015 when he was named the starting quarterback for Washington. That season, he threw for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading Washington to an NFC East division title.
His standout performance prompted Washington to use the franchise tag on him in 2016, a move that would significantly increase his earnings. Under the franchise tag, Cousins earned $19.95 million in 2016.
The Landmark Minnesota Vikings Contract in 2018
In 2018, Cousins hit the jackpot when he entered free agency and signed a historic deal with the Minnesota Vikings. His three-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $84 million made headlines across the NFL.
This deal not only set a new precedent for fully guaranteed contracts but also positioned Cousins among the highest-paid players in the league. It was an extraordinary achievement, as NFL contracts are typically not fully guaranteed, especially for quarterbacks.
Personal Life of Kirk Cousins: Family, Faith, and Fatherhood
Kirk Cousins’ personal life is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, family values, and devotion to his role as a husband and father. A practicing Evangelical Christian, Cousins often speaks about the importance of his faith, which plays a significant role in his approach to life both on and off the football field.
Marriage to Julie Hampton
Kirk Cousins married his longtime girlfriend, Julie Hampton, on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia. The couple’s relationship has been one marked by love, mutual respect, and shared values. Their wedding came just a few months after Cousins proposed to Julie, and since then, they have built a life together that revolves around family and faith.
Fatherhood: Raising Two Sons
- Kirk Cousins and Julie Hampton have two sons, Cooper and Turner, born after they married in 2014. As of 2019, Cousins has often shared how fatherhood has shaped his life, offering him new perspectives and priorities.
- Being a father has brought him immense joy, and he has spoken in interviews about the impact his sons have had on him both personally and professionally.
- Cousins’ love for his family is clear, and he takes great pride in being present in his sons’ lives despite the demanding nature of his NFL career.
- His role as a father is something he holds in high regard, and he strives to instill in his children the same values of faith, hard work, and humility that have guided him throughout his life.
Faith and Its Influence on His Life
Kirk Cousins’ Evangelical Christian faith is central to his life. He frequently credits his faith for giving him strength and perspective, particularly during the challenges of his football career. Cousins has been open about his relationship with God, often expressing how his beliefs provide a sense of purpose beyond football.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Kirk Cousins?
Ans: Kirk Cousins is an American professional football player who plays as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL. He was born on August 19, 1988, in Barrington, Illinois. Cousins is known for his strong arm, leadership, and consistency as a quarterback.
He began his professional career with the Washington Football Team before signing with the Vikings in 2018.
2. What is Kirk Cousins’ age, and when did his football career begin?
Ans: As of 2024, Kirk Cousins is 36 years old. He started his football career at Michigan State University, where he played from 2008 to 2011, earning recognition for his performances.
He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team. Despite being drafted as a backup, he eventually earned the starting quarterback position, leading to his rise in the NFL.
3. Who is Kirk Cousins’ wife, and how long have they been together?
Ans: Kirk Cousins is married to Julie Hampton, whom he met in college. They were married in 2014, and the couple has two children together. Julie is supportive of Cousins’ football career and is frequently seen at his games.
The couple is known for maintaining a strong family life and their involvement in charitable activities through the Kirk Cousins Foundation, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged families and individuals.
4. What is Kirk Cousins’ net worth in 2024?
Ans: As of 2024, Kirk Cousins has an estimated net worth of around $85 million. His wealth primarily comes from his NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments.
Cousins made headlines when he signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with the Vikings in 2018, which was unprecedented at the time. He later signed contract extensions with Minnesota, further boosting his earnings.
5. What is known about Kirk Cousins’ personal life and off-field activities?
Ans: Kirk Cousins is known for his devout Christian faith, and he often credits his success to his religious beliefs. Off the field, Cousins is involved in various charitable causes, particularly through the Kirk Cousins Foundation, which helps support youth education, sports, and underserved communities.
He is also known for his focus on family and often speaks about balancing his professional career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Read More: Kirk Cousins: NFL Quarterback Education, College Football, Career And More
