The Minnesota Vikings are driving a wave of momentum, clinching their sixth consecutive victory with a commanding 42-21 overcome the Atlanta Falcons.
The sport carried an additional layer of emotional significance because it marked a reunion between the group and Kirk Cousins, their former quarterback who spent six illustrious seasons sporting purple earlier than departing in free company.
Cousins, as soon as a beloved determine in Minnesota, particularly throughout his closing two seasons below head coach Kevin O’Connell, returned to U.S. Financial institution Stadium going through his previous group.
The narrative went past simply one other recreation, representing a second {of professional} transition and mutual respect.
After the Vikings’ decisive win, O’Connell made certain to specific his real appreciation for Cousins.
“I simply advised 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 pinnacle coach after I received right here, developing on three years in the past. I like him as an individual. I feel he’s an incredible human being, an incredible father and an incredible particular person.”
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on what he mentioned to Kirk Cousins after the sport on the sphere: 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 below head coach Jay Gruden.
Cousins’ journey finally 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 actual story was the mutual admiration between a coach and his former quarterback.
