There’s no need to sugarcoat a dire reality. After Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles, the Minnesota Vikings season will, in all likelihood, end with disappointment and a faint whimper. But his Vikings teammates are professionals, and they’re not just going to give up on 2023. With over half of the year’s slate remaining, that would be silly.
If anything, it appears the Vikings are going to use Cousins’ absence as motivation.
Before Minnesota’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, a bunch of Vikings players wore some noticeably curious attire — custom shirts featuring Cousins in various throwing motions. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this was their way of showing love to the veteran signal-caller after his unfortunate injury:
Vikings players are showing love to Kirk Cousins today 🫶💜 pic.twitter.com/HhovCl7BMY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 5, 2023
Even an injured Justin Jefferson on the sideline had to get in on the fun:
"You already know we had to support Kirko Chains." – @JJettas2 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/PIDnI1EWWx
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2023
Honestly, that is so cool.
It would’ve been easy for the Vikings to forget what Cousins brings to the table and center on maximizing their campaign without him. Instead, they wanted to show they were still thinking about him. That is special and might show an older Cousins — who is an unrestricted free agent this winter — isn’t quite done in Minnesota just yet.
This was how Twitter reacted
This team loves Kirk, as does the fanbase.
I see him taking a discount in 2024 to return. https://t.co/TB0V5362Rc
— sean (@SeanNeutron) November 5, 2023
I genuinely wish the Vikings nothing but love and luck for the remainder of the season. Much love to Kirk Cousins too https://t.co/4FLqo9y5ko
— Joe MonFanta 🏴☠️ (@JoeMonFanta) November 5, 2023
Ode to QB1, and ball out for QB2! #SKOL https://t.co/CKnuXEzLHq
— Jaren Haul a Lombardi (@P_I_Creative) November 5, 2023
I love this team🥹 https://t.co/Fh9MPaNF3F
— Grant Fouts (@FoutsGrant) November 5, 2023
I think Kirk's back in 2024 https://t.co/6R6fy75AqR
— Mike Castellino (@MikeCastellino) November 5, 2023
This is awesome!!!! https://t.co/3ZvYqnJcZV
— Nicky (@NicoleW80211273) November 5, 2023
Nice touch https://t.co/AT4UlV6eDc
— Glen Chisholm (@AndGreef) November 5, 2023
“Justin hates playing with Kirk Cousins, he wants out of Minnesota” https://t.co/591M9UC9qH
— Carter🐐⛈️❤️🔥 (@CarterAntFan) November 5, 2023
I love the bond these two have💜
Can someone get me one of these shirts?! @Vikings @JJettas2 https://t.co/JnUSZ7DyCn
— Katie (@kcatton17) November 5, 2023
