It was no grudge match in Minnesota today when Kirk Cousin returned to U.S. Bank Stadium.
In six seasons as a Minnesota Viking, Kirk Cousins went 50-37-1. Despite being unable to find common ground on reaching a new deal to keep him throwing touchdown passes in U.S. Banks Stadium, Cousins still seems to have the respect of the organization and the fan base.
The former Viking quarterback would return to the great white north this afternoon as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback to take on his former team.
It was not Cousins day. The Falcons would lose 42-21 to the Vikings, lowering their record to below .500 (6-7).
He would finish the game 23 for 37 with 344 yards, no touchdown passes, and two interceptions.
The former Vikings quarterback doesn't come with a lot of drama. He didn't leave the team with a lot of heat and hostility, and the vibe of today's game did not feel like there was any bitterness between both parties.
At the end of the game, Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Cousins's primary target during his time on the team, found Cousins on the field, and the two embraced.
The Vikings' social media pages shared the moment with the caption "All Love for Kirk" and a purple heart emoji.
Cousins was also seen walking off the field after the game was over. Many people seated close to the field and those all the way up in the rafters were seen cheering Cousins on as he made his way into the locker room.
The Falcons quarterback waved to the Vikings fans, who expressed their respect for a man who had helped the team out in so many ways over the last decade.
The Vikings have a clear path to the postseason at 11-2. The Falcons, however, find themselves on the outside looking in. They have a 38% chance of getting there based on the NFL.com playoff picture standings.
