The Minnesota Vikings are driving a wave of momentum, clinching their sixth consecutive victory with a commanding 42-21 conquer the Atlanta Falcons.
The sport carried an additional layer of emotional significance because it marked a reunion between the crew and Kirk Cousins, their former quarterback who spent six illustrious seasons carrying purple earlier than departing in free company.
Cousins, as soon as a beloved determine in Minnesota, particularly throughout his remaining two seasons beneath head coach Kevin O’Connell, returned to U.S. Financial institution Stadium dealing with his outdated crew.
The narrative went past simply one other sport, representing a second {of professional} transition and mutual respect.
After the Vikings’ decisive win, O’Connell made positive to specific his real appreciation for Cousins.
“I simply instructed him I’m so grateful for our time,” O’Connell shared with Alec Lewis from The Athletic. “Teaching him as a place coach, then clearly as the top coach after I acquired right here, developing on three years in the past. I really like him as an individual. I feel he’s an awesome human being, an awesome father and an awesome particular person.”
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on what he stated to Kirk Cousins after the sport on the sector: pic.twitter.com/Jme3NHLsuW
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 8, 2024
The connection between O’Connell and Cousins traces again to 2017 when O’Connell was employed as quarterbacks coach in Washington beneath head coach Jay Gruden.
Cousins’ journey ultimately led him to Minnesota in 2018, with their skilled paths reconverging in 2022 when the Vikings introduced O’Connell on as head coach.
Reflecting on their shared historical past, O’Connell spoke warmly about Cousins’ present efficiency with the Falcons, expressing confidence that the quarterback would proceed to excel.
The sport itself might need been a victory for the Vikings, however the true story was the mutual admiration between a coach and his former quarterback.
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