The NFL is all about roles and how players fit into them. Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, is a very talented player out of Michigan State University. The Redskins drafted him in the fourth round to backup their first round selection, Robert Griffin III.
Every year there is an influx of new players into the NFL. These players will go through a major lifestyle adjustment. Well grounded players such as Cousins can serve as a valuable resource as they try to get acclimated to their new status and surroundings. Cousins isn’t far removed from going through the process himself. He shared with Melissa Mahler the whirlwind that players go through during the draft process and just after.
Q: What are some of the things since you were drafted that you have learned?
A: I’m going into my third year now, so I still consider myself a younger player but glad to have shed that rookie tag and have a little more experience now.
I’ve continued to learn what it means in the off season to value your time, be responsible, manage your money well, and give back. All of those things are things that you learn along the way.
It’s important who you surround yourself with because by yourself you’re not going to accomplish much but with the right people you can do a lot of good.
Q: What are some of the things that you remember from your experience entering the NFL Draft?
A: More than the Draft itself, what I remember is the four months of preparation from my last college football season ending with the NFL Draft.
You put so much hard work in and you do all you can to be ready for the combine and for Pro Day and interviews with teams.
It’s very stressful a lot of pressure and the draft weekend is the combination of all that work. It’s very rewarding when you hear your name called, wherever it may be. After draft, then the work really begins because right after that you fly into your team city and learning a whole lot about a play book and a city and a team and meeting new players.
There’s a lot of work ahead for those rookies but it’s an exciting time and a time for growth.
Q: You had an interesting season last year, and I think a lot of the fans got to know who you are. What are some of the things you look forward to for yourself this season?
A: I look forward to just bettering myself as a quarterback, as a person, as a leader in the locker room. My job is to be a great back up to Robert and help the Redskins the best way that I can as a backup. I need to stay ready with whatever reps and opportunities I get and make sure that if for some reason Robert goes down that the production of our offense in Washington doesn’t drop at all.
Cousins had the opportunity to play as a starter in 2012 when Griffin went down with an injury. He showed that he can fill in very well when given the opportunity. Once Griffin came back, Cousins didn’t fuss during that off season by trying to force a trade that would give him a chance to be a starter. He showed what it is like to handle things with a professional attitude and play as a key member of a team.
For more follow @Melissa_PPI @KirkCousins8
