Quarterback Kirk Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings to an upset victory over New Orleans Sunday in the NFL playoffs, but it was an inspiring postgame interview on national television that caught the eye of many casual fans.
Cousins’ 43-yard pass to Adam Thielen followed by a four-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Rudolph gave visiting Minnesota a 26-20 overtime win over the Saints in the opening round of the playoffs. It was Minnesota’s first-ever playoff win in overtime.
After the game, Cousins was asked by FOX’s Chris Myers about the load he had “been carrying” as quarterback. Myers noted Cousins has a “deep” faith.
“Ultimately, it’s about team,” Cousins said. “And I’m just trying to do my part for this team [and] help us win. Quarterback carries weight. That comes with the job. Like you said, my faith is important to me. It’s the foundation of my life. And ultimately, that’s where I gain my peace and strength. Win or lose today, God is still on the throne, and I take comfort in that.”
Cousins – who was drafted out of Michigan State in 2012 by Washington before being signed by the Vikings in 2018 as a free agent – is known for his faith. His Twitter bio reads, “Micah 6:8 ‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy & walk humbly with your God.’”
He gave an interview in 2018 to Sports Spectrum, a magazine and website that covers Christian athletes.
“The ultimate foundation of my life is to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus,” he told Sports Spectrum “And that means so much more than just checking a box and saying you’re a Christian.”
His Christian faith, Cousins said, helps him keep the trials of life in perspective.
“God is so much bigger than pleasing a boss or pleasing a teacher or winning a group of friends,” Cousins told Sports Spectrum. “God is so much bigger than that. He can lead you to the right people. He can create the right environment, the right situation, the right college opportunity. You don’t have to bend over to the ways of the world. You can work and strive to please the Lord and then He will make things work out for you in turn.”
He and his wife founded the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation last year. The foundation’s money goes toward ending modern-day slavery and violence against the poor; providing homes for low-income people; and assisting individuals with disabilities. The Foundation also benefits the Christian school he attended.
The Vikings play at San Francisco Saturday.
Related:
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Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence Quotes Ephesians 3:20 after Win -- It’s ‘Him within Us’
'I'm Blessed to Be Here' – Sooners' QB Jalen Hurts Shares His Faith-Filled Journey
‘Now I have Jesus’ – Diamondbacks’ Ahmed Says Faith Has Given Him Peace, Joy
Ohio State Star J.K. Dobbins Was Nearly Aborted, but Mom Changed Mind
Eagles QB Wentz after Humbling Loss: 'Praise' God 'in Victory & Defeat'
Coach of No. 1 Clemson: My Purpose Is 'to Glorify God'
Tim Tebow Says Loving and Serving Others is 'Bigger Than Football'
Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
