Kirk Cousins on Joining the Atlanta Falcons
Flowery Branch, Georgia – Kirk Cousins, dressed in a pale gray suit with a red tie and black sneakers, addressed the media on Wednesday evening, settling into his new role as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The metropolitan area holds a special place in his heart, as his wife, Julie, hails from Atlanta, and he has spent time in the region during offseasons. The opportunity to play for Atlanta, combined with a strong football commitment on their end, led him to sign a lucrative four-year contract.
Commitment to Atlanta
In reflecting on his decision, Cousins highlighted the stability and long-term vision presented by the Falcons, which resonated with him. Having played for teams with more uncertain futures in recent years, he was drawn to the idea of potentially retiring as a Falcon if he meets his performance expectations.
“I think in Minnesota it was trending over the last couple offseasons to being somewhat year-to-year,” Cousins stated. “And as we talked with Atlanta, it felt like this was a place where if I play at the level I expect to play that I can retire a Falcon.”
While Cousins is eager to contribute on the field, he acknowledges the importance of prioritizing his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. He expressed optimism about his progress and set a target of being fully recovered by the end of Atlanta’s June mandatory minicamp.
On-field Accomplishments and Expectations
With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Cousins brings a wealth of experience and success to the Falcons. Having played over 150 games and achieving numerous accolades, including Pro Bowl selections, he is determined to build on his past achievements in his new role with Atlanta.
Despite his individual achievements, Cousins remains focused on team success and the collective goal of winning games. He praised the organization’s leadership, citing the alignment he observed among team owner Arthur Blank, general manager Terry Fontenot, and head coach Raheem Morris. This cohesion and shared vision for success were instrumental in his decision to join the Falcons.
Personal Connections
Off the field, Cousins shares a deep connection with Atlanta, having personal milestones tied to the city. His marriage to Julie took place in Roswell, his youngest son was born in Atlanta, and his first date with Julie was in the suburbs of the city. These personal ties further solidified his decision to make Atlanta his new home.
Additionally, Cousins received endorsements from former teammates and peers, such as Drew Brees and Kyle Pitts, affirming his choice to play for the Falcons. The enthusiasm and support from his new teammates have reinforced his belief in the team’s potential for success.
“He said, ‘We’re ready for you to take us to the promised land,'” Cousins shared about a message from Kyle Pitts, expressing the team’s eagerness for a fresh start with the new quarterback.
Goals and Aspirations
As Cousins embarks on this new chapter with the Falcons, he remains focused on achieving both personal and team goals. Reflecting on past playoff experiences and the success he witnessed as a spectator, he is determined to lead the Falcons back to championship contention.
“And that’s really the dream,” Cousins concluded, emphasizing his aspirations to bring success and glory to the city of Atlanta once again.
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