Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota felt like a homecoming movie moment, minus the cheesy soundtrack. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had a heartwarming message for Cousins that showed love beyond football.
O’Connell made sure his former QB felt the love, proving that in the NFL, loyalty ain’t just about contracts and stats — it’s about respect, bonds, and unforgettable comebacks.
Let’s just say Cousins left with more than just game highlights; he took home some serious emotional goodwill.
Kevin O’Connell’s Message to Kirk Cousins: A Deep Bond Beyond the Game
O’Connell could’ve kept stuff football-casual, but his message to Kirk Cousins on the field after Sunday’s game was straight from the heart.
The Vikings’ HC told Cousins, “I’m so thankful for our time. Coaching him as a position coach, then obviously as the head coach when I got here coming up on three years ago. I love him as a person. He stands for so many great things that I always really valued. I’m proud of the way he’s transitioned down to a new place this year. And he’s had a lot of success.”
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell on what he said to Kirk Cousins after the game on the field: pic.twitter.com/Jme3NHLsuW
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 8, 2024
That’s a lot of love for a guy who left the Vikings just a few months ago. Cousins had been Minnesota’s QB for six seasons, leading the team through highs and lows before free agency saw him swap the purple jersey for the Atlanta Falcons’ threads this offseason.
Sunday’s game was a big homecoming at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the Vikings made it count with a 42-21 win over the Falcons.
Sam Darnold stole the show. He threw for 347 yards, five TDs, and completed 22 of 28 passes. Darnold linked up three times with Jordan Addison and twice with Justin Jefferson.
Cousins, though, had a tougher day. The Falcons QB threw for 344 yards on 23 of 37 passing but didn’t find the end zone and threw two picks.
O’Connell’s sincere message showed the deep bond between Cousins and the Vikings. Even after moving on, that bond remains, proving that the NFL is about more than just plays and stats — it’s about relationships that run deep.
O’Connell’s Pay Raise Incoming? Vikings Need To Lock Him Down
Looks like O’Connell is about to get that pay raise Vikings fans are low-key hoping for.
Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Vikings are expected to offer O’Connell a contract extension. His current deal wraps up in 2025.
You see, this guy isn’t just coaching. He’s running a tight ship through QB madness. In his third season, the Vikings are 10-2 and vying for NFC North supremacy.
Remember last year’s Week 8 disaster when Cousins tore his Achilles? O’Connell kept things afloat. Now, with rookie J.J. McCarthy out for the year, Darnold’s been the surprise hero, tossing 23 TDs and almost 3,000 yards like it’s casual.
With the Vikings scoring big on offense (ninth in points per game) and boasting a defense that ranks fifth in scoring defense, O’Connell’s turning a rebuilding offense into a Super Bowl contender.
Keeping him in the fold ain’t just smart — it’s essential. A contract extension could mean locking down the coach who just might bring the Vikings their first big-game party in decades.