Kirk Cousins is trying to learn about his new teammates, just like the Falcons are trying to adapt to their old-soul, dad-joke cracking quarterback.
The 35-year-old Cousins wants to learn from the youngsters on the Falcons roster. If you want to be an effective team leader, you have to pick up on the pop culture references or know which rappers are the top rated on the Spotify account.
It’s the type of intel you need when you’re a married father of two young boys and you’d rather try a new Texas Roadhouse than any hip club in Atlanta. Reporters recently asked Cousins about what he’s learning from his teammates.
“The artist, the music in the weight room, yea, I’m learning a lot,” Cousins said at a Falcons media availability. “Learn a lot there … social media, I can’t keep up with the cool app. I thought Instagram was cool, then you know, it was like ‘no, you have to have this one, then you have Tik Tok or whatever. I’m trying to keep up with it. But it’s good because it makes me a better parent, right, so I’ll know what’s cool with my boys someday, so it’s good.”
The Falcons signed Cousins in March after the quarterback decided to leave the Vikings. Cousins’ switch of teams was one of the biggest NFL stories of the off season. By the time the season starts, Cousins will be 36. And he’ll know how well his surgically-repaired Achilles is holding up during the most intense practices of the year.
Besides, his documented goofiness is charming other Falcons.
“He’s a funny guy,” said Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews. “But I can’t say enough how much I’ve been impressed with just the way he’s come in here. Just from day one, it was personal. It just clicked.”
Plus, Cousins likes to show off his personality in an otherwise repetitive practice. New coach Raheem Morris, who was on staff with Washington when the team drafted Cousins in 2012, relayed some of the stories. It seems Cousins likes to crack a one-liner or two when he breaks the huddle.
“He gets a real good energy and real authentic-ness about it, and it’s kind of fun to watch,” Morris said. “It always makes you smile when you’re back there watching no matter how many times you see it. He’s a lot of fun to be around.”
