It was a fateful day for Kirk Cousins when he was carted off the field at Lambeau Field, realizing that his right Achilles was ruptured. The devastating injury brought about a wave of thoughts, and one of them lingered in his mind: “Is this the last time I play football?” However, in the wake of this setback, Cousins remains determined to turn the page and embrace whatever lies ahead. As he puts it, “No, it’s not going to be [the last time]. I’m excited to write the next chapter and see what God wants to do with it.”
An Uncertain Future
While Cousins is resolute in his desire to finish his career in Minnesota, his contract will expire next March, creating uncertainty about the direction his football journey will take. The emergence of Josh Dobbs, who has led the Vikings to victories in both games he has played, adds another layer of complexity. With the second-best QBR (87.4) of any quarterback during that span, Dobbs has stunned the NFL. Cousins understands the approaching expiration of his contract, but he prefers to focus on the present and the team’s success, stating, “February will happen in February…We’ve got so much to focus on with this season.”
Cousins’ injury marked the first time in his career that he required surgery. Initially, he was in denial, unable to push his foot down but feeling minimal pain in the Achilles. He even expressed his doubts to the team’s medical staff about having torn the tendon. However, team physician Dr. Chris Coetzee’s immediate and definitive diagnosis left no room for uncertainty. Cousins had a moment alone to absorb the information and found solace in the fact that setbacks pave the way for personal growth. The process of navigating through the five stages of grief began, and even now, Cousins acknowledges that feelings of anger and disappointment still persist.
Amidst his journey to recovery, Cousins received a text message from team psychologist Brownell Mack that shifted his mindset towards a more positive trajectory. The message reminded him that in the face of adversity, personal growth is often a byproduct. Cousins shares Mack’s words of wisdom: “When you face adversity like this, you’ll look back down the road and many times you’re better because of it. Not in spite of it.” With these words in mind, Cousins strongly believes that there is much more to come in his personal story.
The Road to Recovery
Dr. Coetzee performed the surgery near the Vikings’ practice facility, opting for the traditional method instead of the SpeedBridge approach. Although some professional athletes choose the latter to expedite their recovery, Cousins and his medical team decided that suturing the tendon together would be more suitable for his long-term well-being. Given that he was never going to return to play this season, Cousins is not in a rush to rehabilitate. He currently wears a walking boot but can put weight on his leg during rehabilitation exercises. With optimism in his heart, Cousins has expressed his belief that he will be ready to participate in at least some portion of practices during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May.
While physically unable to play, Cousins remains mentally engaged. He attends quarterback meetings and undertakes schematic projects assigned to him by Coach Kevin O’Connell to stay connected with the team. O’Connell recognizes Cousins’ deep understanding of the offense, stating, “He knows our offense…Whether he is watching some third downs or first and second downs, trying to find a good look for an explosive or a keeper play-pass.” The coach encourages Cousins to remain present and involved, highlighting the significance of his presence in the team environment. As soon as Cousins receives medical clearance, he will even resume traveling with the team.
Kirk Cousins’ journey to recovery is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, he remains steadfast in his desire to continue his football career. Through his journey of overcoming adversity, Cousins has embraced the idea that setbacks can lead to personal growth and that there is more to his story that lies ahead. As he faces the challenges of rehabilitation, his unwavering spirit serves as an inspiration for all those striving to overcome their own obstacles.
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