Kirk Cousins

Kirk Daniel Cousins (born August 19, 1988) is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State, where he was the Spartans' starter from 2009 to 2011. He was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Early life

Cousins is the son of Don Cousins, the senior pastor at Discovery Church in Orlando, Florida, and Maryann Cousins. He is the second of three children. Cousins attended Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan, where he starred in football, baseball (as a pitcher), and basketball. He broke his ankle in his junior year and was forced to attend camps in order to make an impression with recruiting colleges. Cousins finished his high school football career with 3,204 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.

After high school, Cousins was set to sign with Toledo or Western Michigan, until Mark Dantonio became the head coach at Michigan State in 2007. After Dantonio failed to sign his top targets at quarterback, he offered a scholarship to Cousins, which he accepted. He also participated in Athletes in Action sports ministry. Cousins majored in kinesiology throughout his college career.