It’s been a long time coming for Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Michigan State alum got his first-ever playoff victory on Sunday, and he did it in dramatic fashion — throwing a touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph in overtime to lift Minnesota to a 26-20 win over the Saints on the road in New Orleans.
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For Cousins, this was his second career playoff start and first with the Vikings after signing a three-year deal in 2018. He finished the game completing 19 of 31 passes for 242 passing yards and the one big touchdown to Rudolph.
If you want it, #GoGetIt.
AND @kylerudolph82 WANTED IT. pic.twitter.com/0xgXJWxcRk
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2020
After the game, Cousins was interviewed on the FOX telecast by Chris Myers and was asked about how his faith had helped him through the difficult times and the scrutiny that had come his way for not having won a playoff game in his career.
“My faith is important to me, it’s the foundation of my life. And ultimately that’s where I gain my peace and my strength,” Cousins said on FOX. “Win or lose today, God is still on the throne and I take comfort in that.”
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Cousins has always been outspoken about his faith and says that Christ has always been the biggest part of his life.
“The ultimate foundation of my life is to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus,” he said on the Sports Spectrum Podcast last year. “And that means so much more than just checking a box and saying you’re a Christian.”
One of the ways Cousins handles the pressure and responsibilities that come with being a quarterback is by keeping everything in perspective.
“God is so much bigger than pleasing a boss or pleasing a teacher or winning a group of friends,” Cousins said. “God is so much bigger than that. He can lead you to the right people. He can create the right environment, the right situation, the right college opportunity. You don’t have to bend over to the ways of the world. You can work and strive to please the Lord and then He will make things work out for you in turn.”
Cousins will try to make it two road playoff wins in a row when the Vikings play at San Francisco on Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET on NBC.
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