As the NFL season approaches and preparations are underway, Kirk Cousins celebrated his 36th birthday on August 19th.
Cousins has been the face of two franchises in his career, holding multiple records for both the Commanders and Vikings. In 2024, he will be the face of the Falcons and will look to lead them to their first NFC South title since 2016.
Because he has achieved great success throughout his career, FOX Sports Research has decided to highlight the best moments from his 12 seasons in the NFL.
Let’s take a look:
The five best moments in Kirk Cousins’ career
“You like that!”
- In a viral moment and arguably the most famous quote of his entire career, Cousins loudly screamed “You like that!” into the camera on his way back to the locker room after a big Commanders win in 2015. Washington was down 24-0 against the Buccaneers in a Week 7 home game before Cousins staged a comeback and led them to a 31-30 victory. The phrase was in response to a local reporter who had questioned Washington’s decision to continue using Cousins as the starter after a rocky start to the season. He finished the game with a then-franchise-record 33 completed passes for 317 passing yards, along with three touchdown passes and a rushing score.
Signs record contract with the Falcons
- After setting several franchise records with the Commanders and Vikings, Cousins signed a four-year contract worth up to $180 million with the Falcons last season. The contract included $100 million in guaranteed money, making him the 16th quarterback all-time to reach that milestone of guaranteed money in a single contract. His average annual salary of $45 million is also the 11th highest of all time.
Biggest comeback in NFL history
- Arguably the most impressive performance on this list, Cousins led the Vikings from a 33-0 halftime deficit to a 39-36 overtime victory. It’s the largest comeback victory in NFL history, and the 39 points scored in the second half (and overtime) are the fifth-most ever. Cousins threw for 460 yards, four touchdowns and completed 34 of 54 passes in the Week 15 game of 2022. The Vikings finished 13-4 that season and won the NFC North crown.
First playoff win of his career
- Cousins led the Vikings to an overtime Wild Card playoff victory over the Saints in the 2019 season in his only career playoff win. He posted a passer rating of 96.4, throwing for 242 yards and a touchdown. The game was highlighted by two big throws: In overtime, he threw a 43-yard toss to Adam Thielen before throwing the game-winning touchdown to Kyle Rudoplh.
Final season at Michigan State
- Kirk Cousins is undoubtedly one of the best Spartans to ever play, and his final season (2011) was one that will go down in the record books. He set the school record for most passing touchdowns in a season (25) and led them to their first appearance in the Big Ten title game. In his five seasons as a Spartan, he went 4-1 against rival Michigan, including four straight wins from 2008-2011. Cousins finished his career as the Michigan State all-time record holder for most passing touchdowns (66), passing yards (9,131), completions (723), passing efficiency (146.1 rating), total offense (9,004 yards) and 200-yard passing games (26).
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