Mics Catch Vikings Coach’s Postgame Message to Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins returned to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons battled his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback's return to his former stomping ground did not exactly turn out well for Cousins and the Falcons after they ended up being on the wrong end of a 42-21 blowout.

Cousins didn't have his best performance against the Vikings, but he wasn't terrible either, finishing with 23-of-37 completed passes for 344 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

After the game, the 36-year-old QB caught up with his former teammates on the field as he rekindled some old flames. This included a heartwarming interaction with former coach Kevin O'Connell, who had a touching message for his former quarterback.

Cousins embraced O'Connell as he told him that he did a "great job" in the game and that the Minnesota shot-caller was "doing awesome." O'Connell then leaned into Cousins to share his honest opinion about the veteran.

Thankfully, the mics were able to catch what O'Connell told Cousins during their post-game exchange.

"Hey, I just want to tell you something," O'Connell said. "Every day I appreciate the days I got a chance to work with you."

"Thanks for saying that," Cousins responded. "Likewise. Thank you. Great job."

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 11, 2024

Cousins spent the last six years of his career in Minnesota before taking his talents to Atlanta during the offseason via free agency. The former PFWA Most Improved Player winner clearly left his mark on his ex-teammates as well as with his former coach.

O'Connell was not shy about letting Cousins know how he felt about their time together in Minnesota, which is a gesture that the Falcons QB appreciated.

The Vikings, who were led by quarterback Sam Darnold (22-of-28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns) against the Falcons, made it six straight wins on Sunday to improve to 11-2.

Minnesota is keeping up the pace in the NFC North but is still behind the first-placed Detroit Lions (12-1) who are riding an incredible 11-game winning streak.