Kirk Cousins has been a Michigan State Football legend for years, forever etched in Spartan history. From leading the Spartans to their first Big Ten title in two decades back in 2010 to delivering Mark Dantonio his first bowl victory in the 2012 Outback Bowl, Cousins has embodied what it means to be a Spartan Dawg for life. Even after a 13-plus year career in the NFL, his dedication to the green and white remains unwavering.
Drafted by Washington in the same year they selected Robert Griffin III, Cousins faced an uphill battle early in his professional career. Despite the controversy surrounding that draft, Cousins eventually outlasted Griffin and proved to be the superior quarterback in the long run. Over the years, he carved out a highly successful career, earning four Pro Bowl selections and compiling nearly 43,000 passing yards and 288 touchdowns.
However, while his career has been impressive, it hasn’t included a deep playoff run — Cousins has never advanced beyond the divisional round. That, combined with a major Achilles injury in 2023, has made the past couple of years a challenging period for him. After recovering from injury, Cousins left the Minnesota Vikings, where he signed a lucrative contract in 2018, and joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
The move to Atlanta initially looked promising, with Cousins starting the first 14 games of the 2024 season. But after a middling 7-7 record and throwing 16 interceptions, Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who the Falcons drafted in 2024. This raises important questions about Cousins’ future with the team, especially since he did not report to the Falcons’ 2025 OTAs.
Cousins is known for his competitive spirit, and it’s unlikely he will accept a backup role quietly after being a starter for 11 of his 13 NFL seasons. With Penix poised as the Falcons’ starter, the situation seems to be heading toward a separation. Whether Cousins chooses to retire or seek another opportunity elsewhere remains uncertain, but his drive suggests he still wants to compete.
Despite the setbacks, Cousins remains a reliable and accomplished quarterback who deserves a chance to continue adding to his legacy. While it might not be in Atlanta, the football world will surely be watching to see where Captain Kirk lands next. Spartan fans everywhere hope he gets the opportunity to build on his impressive career — because once a Spartan Dawg, always a Spartan Dawg.
