Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been open about his strong faith in God on and off the field. As part of the succession plan for Cousins, the Falcons recently benched the veteran QB and started rookie Michael Penix Jr. But that didn’t stop Cousins from preparing for the game. He encouraged and prayed for fellow Christian and replacement quarterback Penix before the two took to the field.
Kirk Cousins Prayed for and Encouraged His Successor, Michael Penix Jr.
Successful football quarterback Kirk Cousins began his NFL career with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). He also played for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Falcons in 2024. Since Cousins is 36, his career with the Falcons began with a succession plan.
“As God’s plan would have it, this is the time that [the move] aligned, and we’re thrilled that it did,” Cousins said of the move to Atlanta.
Falcon owner Arthur Blank has said that nothing is more important than a succession plan. Team leadership continued to put the plan together as they drafted Michael Penix Jr. as the overall eighth-round pick.
While starting quarterback, Cousins had a 7-7 record with the Falcons. Teammates and fans know that what Cousins brings to the game is much more than what he does on the field. “You certainly honor your teammates, you honor your coaches, and you honor your opponent by giving everything you have to the competitive arena,” he said on a recent podcast.
Rookie quarterback Penix led the team to a commanding win, 34-7, over the Giants. He was well prepared for the game as he had always received the same audio feed as Cousins throughout the season. Penix went from leading the scout team to leading the offense to a victory his first game as a starter.
Christian sports and culture commentator Jon Root shared a video of Cousins before the recent game against the Giants. Cousins’ “incredible humility and leadership” has been praised throughout his career—and especially now as he passed the baton to his replacement.
“Benched QB Kirk Cousins led his replacement, Michael Penix Jr., in prayer before taking the field,” Root noted.
Benched QB Kirk Cousins led his replacement, Michael Penix Jr. in prayer before taking the field 👏
Incredible humility and leadership
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) December 22, 2024
With nearly 600,000 views, the quick video clip has circled the globe and inspired athletes and fans.
“[Just] because you’ve been benched…doesn’t mean that your faith in God and Christ-like leadership is,” offered one person.
“I love seeing @KirkCousins8 faith in action as he prays for the guy who just took his starting job,” said another. “What a role model!”
