NFL players have developed reputations for their hard work and relentless pursuit of improvement. That’s especially true for the league’s quarterbacks, who play the most high-profile and high-stress position in the game. But Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins takes a very different approach than most other quarterbacks.
Kirk Cousins was one of the subjects of the Netflix documentary series Quarterback along with Patrick Mahomes and Marcus Mariota. And on the show, he revealed that unlike most other quarterbacks in the league, he takes one day a week during the season completely off. On those days, he doesn’t even enter the facility and says that he does “anything that isn’t football.”
“If we’re on a Sunday-to-Sunday schedule, unlike most quarterbacks I choose to take Tuesday entirely off,” Cousins explains. “About eight years ago, I made the decision that I’m going to truly rest for 24 hours a week during the season. I think a first it threw the coaches off a little bit that, ‘Wait a minute, our starting quarterback’s not gonna be in the building all day on Tuesday? We’re not even gonna see him?’ But it’s just something that I felt was important. On Tuesday, I’ll do anything that isn’t football.”
It’s a shocking move from a longtime starting quarterback in the league, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media.
Not his fault the dude dropped the pass in his hands on 3rd down in ot.
— Jason Martinez (@jasmartinez76) July 17, 2023
If you watch the full show and see what he puts himself through mentally and physically to be ready to play on Sundays that day off is earned. This man was doing neurological focus work sitting in the car in the parking lot of the facility. https://t.co/f7ZWLO8HtP
— WAVE. (@WAVESUPREME3) July 17, 2023
This concept that people in the sport of football think they need to be focused on football 24/7 is ridiculous. https://t.co/O2vnZitLgA
— Brandon Mileski (@BrandonMileski) July 17, 2023
Imagine watching "Quarterbacks" and your takeaway being, "Hmm, if only Kirk Cousins were more prepared and went harder on his Tuesdays." That’s clearly what separates him and Brady… https://t.co/MB8QgBI8mE
— Jordan J. Gush (@JordanGush) July 17, 2023
Eventually we’ll applaud people for prioritizing their life over their job, instead of condemning them for it, I live for me and those I care about, what’s the point in making money if you have no time to enjoy it?! https://t.co/WgODesOjw2
— Christian Pluym (@Pluym3A) July 17, 2023
He takes Tuesday off during the regular season. One day to spend with his kids. One day to spend with his wife. One day just for him. It's a perfectly fine human thing. https://t.co/uouUzIja2h
— ScottieMcScottFace (@ScottieWild24) July 17, 2023
This….is not surprising https://t.co/1RkPT7SK1A
— Hustler of Culture (@HofC) July 17, 2023
How dare he https://t.co/sCj6IG4hxh pic.twitter.com/LjxWkvrlqS
— Shane Jackson (@SJacksonMGM) July 17, 2023
It’s clearly worked out for Cousins well enough as he’s been a longtime successful quarterback in the league. But it’s certainly not the usual approach for a quarterback.
