Kirk Cousins is an outspoken Evangelical Christian who has consistently made his religious beliefs the foundational cornerstone of both his personal life and NFL career. The veteran quarterback views football not as his ultimate identity, but as a calling and platform to share his beliefs.
Core Beliefs and "Life Verse"
Cousins attributes his worldview to a deep commitment to biblical principles, often urging people to cross the line from being mere "fans of Jesus" to fully devoted followers.
Proverbs 3:5–6: Cousins considers this his life verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." He adopted it in high school after a major ankle injury and relies on it to navigate the uncertainty of NFL contract changes and injuries.
Identity in Christ: He frequently emphasizes that his performance on the field does not define his worth. He asserts that he is a child of God before he is an athlete, providing him a sturdy foundation through the emotional roller-coaster of professional sports.
Football Stewardship: Cousins openly speaks about football as something God has entrusted him to steward. He treats the locker room as a space where he actively participates in and leads team Bible studies.
Background and Influences
Cousins' faith journey began at home; his father, Don Cousins, is a longtime pastor and Christian author. Growing up in Holland, Michigan, Kirk attended Holland Christian School, where teacher and prominent theologian Ray Vander Laan became a lifelong spiritual mentor. It was during these formative years that Cousins transitioned from a cultural or inherited faith into a highly disciplined, personal relationship with God.
Faith in Action
Beyond public testimonies at events like the annual Super Bowl Breakfast, Cousins integrates his beliefs into his family life and philanthropy:
Family Discipleship: He is highly intentional about raising his two sons to understand the gospel, prioritizing daily prayer and teaching them scripture from a young age.
The Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation: Alongside his wife, Julie, Cousins runs a foundation heavily focused on faith-oriented giving. A primary beneficiary of theirs is the International Justice Mission (IJM), an organization combating human trafficking—a cause Cousins committed to funding when he was just 17 years old.
The Bart Starr Award: In recognition of his outstanding character, leadership in the locker room, and community commitment, Cousins was honored with the prestigious Bart Starr Award by his NFL peers.
