Kirk Cousins last played at FedEx Field on Christmas Eve in 2017, leading Washington to a 27-11 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Cousins departed Washington the following March, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins is now in his fifth season with the Vikings, with many Minnesota fans feeling a lot like Washington’s fans felt during Cousins’ six seasons in the burgundy and gold.
On Sunday, Cousins returned to FedEx Field, leading the Vikings to a last-second 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders. Cousins had his moments. He was beaten and knocked around by Washington’s defensive line throughout the game, but when it mattered the most, he delivered, much to the chagrin of Washington fans.
Cousins completed 22 of 40 passes for 265 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in Minnesota’s win. The Vikings improved to 7-1 on the season and won their sixth consecutive game — all by one score.
Afterward, Cousins was asked about his return to Washington.
He had a long answer.
“Yeah, I just had a lot of really warm emotions and a lot of gratitude for the fact that I got to play here, that I had the privilege of being here for six years,” Cousins said.
“As we pulled in with our busses, I could see that home-player parking lot where I remember walking out to meet my family and to see teammates and coaches, [Sean McVay’s of the world that you visit with after a game. It kind of made me emotional pulling in on the bus just thinking about that and kind of where things have gone. Just so grateful that I got to play here and got to play for the coaches I did. You know, Mike Shanahan, future Hall of Fame coach, to be drafted here by him was just special. To play for Kyle [Shanahan], and Sean, and Matt [LaFleur] and Mike McDaniel, and so many guys. Jay [Gruden] is such a blessing. They believed in me before I believed in myself. I remember my second start at Atlanta, year two; Kyle dapped me up before the game, right before kickoff. He said something like, ‘Go out, have a great day,’ and he said, ‘You’re kind of gassing me up,’ and I said, ‘Well, I want to prove you right,’ and he said, ‘You don’t have to prove me right; I know I’m right. You’re going to be a player in this league for a long time.’ That was before I had done anything. So, his ability to kind of speak belief into me before I even believed in myself took my career probably to a different level than I probably ever would’ve gone.”
Mike Shanahan was Cousins’ coach for his first two seasons, while Kyle Shahanan was his offensive coordinator and LaFleur his QB coach for those first two seasons. From there, it was McVay and Gruden who really developed Cousins into a starting quarterback. Sometimes, Gruden doesn’t get the credit for Cousins’ development as everyone wants to credit the Shanahans.
Did beating Washington mean more since it was his former team?
“So much time has passed,” Cousins answered. “Five years, so much change. So, I wouldn’t say so. To win on the road and to find a way means a lot. A special win. Hard fought game. I think the way that they rushed us, the way they hit us. It’s one of those games where you feel that toughness as you walk off the field. You feel so great to win. I just have so many positive memories being here and what it meant for my football career, but also for my life.”
Cousins was being diplomatic here. Of course, it meant more. However, he is right when he says a lot has changed. Washington has changed its name twice since Cousins left. Ron Rivera has taken over the entire football side of Washington’s operation, while Jason Wright replaced Bruce Allen as team president. Allen famously always referred to Cousins as “Kurt” during his time in Washington.
Only one thing really remains, and that is owner Dan Snyder. And that could change soon.
Cousins didn’t discuss the fans, who often had a love/hate relationship with him during his time in Washington. Many fans felt Cousins was a bit phony, while others criticized his failure to deliver in the biggest moments. The same things Minnesota fans have said.
However, for one day, Cousins delivered when it mattered the most, and he helped take down his former team.
