FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sporting a pale grey swimsuit with a crimson tie and black sneakers, Kirk Cousins stood on the podium Wednesday night explaining and reinforcing what he was saying, all whereas settling into his new house.
The Atlanta metropolitan space has been a spot of familiarity for the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback and his household for a very long time. His spouse, Julie, grew up right here. He has spent components of offseasons in his father-in-law’s basement in Johns Creek, Georgia.
So when the prospect to come back to Atlanta grew to become accessible — and it matched with a powerful soccer dedication in him — he took it. Quickly after signing a four-year contract value as much as $180 million, he defined it was the buy-in from Atlanta which finally bought him on leaving Minnesota.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon.
“And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Cousins is aware of he has to win. But earlier than he can actually assume a lot about profitable, he has to get wholesome. Cousins continues to recuperate from a torn proper Achilles suffered in October, the primary surgical procedure of the 35-year-old’s life. He known as the rehab “a very constructive course of,” and credited the Vikings coaching employees and his personal trainers serving to him get via the primary few months following surgical procedure.
Saying he is “feeling nice,” Cousins set a objective of being full velocity at follow by the tip of Atlanta’s June necessary minicamp, but additionally is aware of to not rush his return. Proper now, Cousins can “take drops” and throw the ball nicely, but when he needed to depart the pocket, he stated it could be clear he is nonetheless recovering from the damage.
When he returns, Atlanta is banking on him being the participant he is been via nearly all of his profession. He is performed in 150 video games with 145 begins, finishing 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions over six years in Washington adopted by six years in Minnesota.
The previous fourth-round decide made Professional Bowls in three of his previous 5 seasons — and was on tempo for among the best seasons of his profession in 2023 earlier than the Achilles damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Cousins posted a video thanking the Vikings and the individuals of Minneapolis/St. Paul, calling it “a little bit of a bittersweet day” as a result of it meant he must depart the Vikings.
Atlanta felt like a well-recognized place. A snug place. He and Julie have been married in Roswell, Georgia. Their youngest son was born in Atlanta. Cousins and Julie’s first date was at Stone Mountain within the Atlanta suburbs. Off the sector, it made sense.
Inside the group, Cousins was struck by the alignment he noticed from crew proprietor Arthur Clean, common supervisor Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris.
“Whenever you see Mr. Clean’s dedication to profitable and what he is carried out through the years to make the Falcons a first-class group. Whenever you see the gamers that Terry’s drafted, if you see his expertise with the Saints and what they constructed over a few years and the success he is been round,” Cousins stated. “After which I knew Raheem, and after I see what he is carried out and what he is been round and the individuals he is led and the individuals who have labored with these individuals talking so extremely of them, I imply, the proof was simply mounting to indicate that that is some severe alignment right here.”
Cousins knew Morris from their shared time in Washington and remembered Morris, then the defensive backs coach, strolling down the corridor into the quarterbacks’ conferences — a picture which caught with him. He known as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees asking about Fontenot, who Brees labored with for over a decade in New Orleans.
“I believe in Minnesota it was trending over the past couple offseasons to being considerably year-to-year. And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a spot the place if I play on the degree I count on to play that I can retire a Falcon. And that was one thing that basically excited me and that is definitely the objective and also you gotta earn the proper to try this.”
Kirk Cousins
Brees “raved about him, about his soccer information,” Cousins stated.
After which a few weeks in the past, he acquired a textual content message from an unknown quantity whereas ready in line for the Guardians of the Galaxy journey at EPCOT. The sender was Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts, who first received to know Cousins on the Professional Bowl following the 2021 season.
“He stated, ‘We’re prepared so that you can take us to the promised land,'” Cousins stated. “I stated, ‘Effectively, you recognize, let’s discuss.’ It was simply type of him recruiting a little bit bit.”
Cousins did not want a lot promoting. He’d seen Pitts’ abilities and the kind of participant he could possibly be. Prior to now few days after he agreed to the deal, he spoke with receiver Drake London and texted operating again Bijan Robinson, coming away impressed.
After these conversations, he advised Julie “these guys are sharp.” He understood how dangerous they wished to win. He had been in attendance the final time Atlanta was a constant winner.
In the course of the 2016 season, Cousins had gone to playoff video games on the Georgia Dome after they beat Seattle and Inexperienced Bay — a hit he’d prefer to emulate.
“Keep in mind watching these video games and taking in that second,” Cousins stated. “And it is actually a objective of mine to revisit that second once more as a participant right here.
“And that is actually the dream.”