Kirk Cousins Opts for ‘Tom Brady Mode’
Dustin Baker
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Kirk Cousins gained newfound fans this offseason from the unlikeliest of places — a Netflix docuseries.
Cousins was featured in Quarterback, an eight-part series released a couple of weeks ago, showcasing the lives of himself, Patrick Mahomes, and Marcus Mariota during the 2022 season.
Kirk Cousins Opts for ‘Tom Brady Mode’
The series was a smash hit, and Cousins was perceived as ultra-lovable, mainly because of his everlasting and down-to-earth Dad persona.
But now Cousins, 34, is going full-throttle with his training regimen, which was on full display during Quarterback. He’s actually channeling Tom Brady, and the signal-caller talked about it Tuesday.
Cousins spoke to reporters as training camp commenced Tuesday and was asked if he changed his routine. He replied affirmatively, “Yeah, a big one. I hired a guy full-time. I just felt like, I’m going to go all in. [Tom Brady] had Alex Guerrero, and I just felt there was a lot of merit in saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got a small window here to maximize.’ and if I play one year more than I otherwise would have because I took it this seriously, then that’s well worth it. Decided to go full time.”
Since joining the Vikings in 2018, Cousins ranks fourth leaguewide in touchdown passes and fifth and passing yards. He also tied an NFL record in 2022 for most game-winning drives in a single season with eight.
“Every free moment, I’ll be running home to get work. Time will tell, but I’m excited about not only the benefit of the help but the peace of mind it gives me because I know I can just show up, turn my brain off, and he’s going to handle it,” Cousins added.
The new Brady-esque coach is Chad Cook, who has ties to Cousins throughout his NFL career.
The Netflix series also showcased Mahomes’ training routine, which seemed otherworldly and innovative to the outward eye. Cousins will never quite be as nimble and as athletic as Mahomes, but the new training and ‘body coach’ can’t hurt.
During the press conference, Cousins added he was excited to get his 2022 season on record in front of cameras, as his children can reflect on his career years down the road. Too, as a football player and man in front of the media Tuesday, Cousins appeared looser and more relaxed than usual.
Chasing Brady — in every way, shape, and form — is the new NFL standard among players and quarterbacks, in particular. The ‘GOAT’ retired this offseason at the age of 45 and laid the framework for quarterbacks in the future to play well into their 40s. Of course, most won’t because goats are goats, but don’t tell that to the plethora of players henceforth who will chase The Brady Standard.
Cousins and the Vikings start the 2023 season at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10th — so in 46 days.
Minnesota is expected to win eight or nine games this season, according to oddsmakers.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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