The Atlanta Falcons officially signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal on Wednesday. His former team, the Minnesota Vikings, bid him farewell.
The Vikings released a statement from owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf commemorating the legacy Cousins established in Minnesota.
“He is the ultimate competitor who sets a high standard, works tirelessly to improve and is meticulous with his process,” the Wilfs said of Cousins. “As a team captain, he was profuse in his praise for teammates and coaches whenever he had the chance. Off the field, Kirk and Julie displayed consistent integrity and class as they prioritized giving back monetarily and through the use of their platform.
“We are grateful to the Cousins family and look forward to watching them continue to have professional and personal success.”
Statement from #Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf on Kirk Cousins pic.twitter.com/UMbDwE56Xm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 13, 2024
Cousins posted a 101.2 quarterback rating and 171 passing touchdowns in 88 career games for the Vikings. He completed 67.9 percent of his passes and averaged 264.4 yards per game through the air.
After leading the Vikings to an NFC North title in 2022, his Vikings career ended when suffering a torn Achilles midway through the 2023 season.
Earlier on Wednesday, Cousins shared a video calling his Falcons signing a “bittersweet day.” The 35-year-old said it was a “privilege” to play in Minnesota.
“Thank you to the tremendous teammates, coaches, support staff, management, and ownership of the Minnesota Vikings for the way that they have come alongside me and supported me,” Cousins said. “A quarterback really doesn’t have a chance without great people around them, and for six seasons in Minnesota, I had great people around me. I don’t take that for granted.”