Kirk Cousins thought the future was clear when he signed his four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. But when Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick, suddenly nothing felt certain. That tension has hovered over every snap, meeting, and headline since. How do his parents fit into the story of a quarterback who refuses to disappear?
Inside the Lives of Kirk Cousins’ Parents: Faith, Family, and Football Roots
The veteran quarterback was raised in Holland, Mich., by his parents, Mary Ann and Don Cousins. Take a look at what is known about the parents of the Falcons quarterback.
Cousins’ father, Don, was named lead pastor at Discovery Church in Orlando, Fla., in 2013. He attended Trinity International University from 1974 to 1978. The patriarch of the Cousins family graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, according to his LinkedIn profile. Upon completing his education, he began his career at the Willow Creek Community Church, where he served as an associate pastor for 17 years.
Don founded Team Development Inc. in 1992 and held the role for 20 years before joining Discovery Church. Through Team Development, Inc., he helped guide Christian leaders and organizations through speaking, writing, and consulting.
Don was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and received a game ball from his son after a stellar Week 10 game versus the New Orleans Saints, in which Cousins finished with 324 yards, four touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating during Washington’s blowout 47-14 home win.
Kirk Cousins’ father is currently battling cancer.
Today, Kirk gave him his game ball: https://t.co/aQd1g3AUFy pic.twitter.com/TpIkS2nCeh
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2015
Meanwhile, Kirk’s mother, Mary Ann, spent over three decades as a flight attendant with United Airlines. She originally hails from Iowa and attended the University of Iowa. The matriarch of the Cousins family studied nursing and was a member of the dance team.
RELATED: Who Are Kirk Cousins’ Siblings? A Look At the Falcons QB’s Brother and Sister, Kyle and Karalyne
She comes from a family of athletes, as her father, Ralph Woodard, played tight end and defensive end for the Hawkeyes. Her uncle, Dick Woodard, was a center and linebacker at Iowa. The latter went on to have a four-year career in the NFL.
Cousins’ father reportedly played a big role in his success, influencing his son to play football, baseball, and basketball. He also coached his son in Little League Baseball. The star quarterback has a close relationship with both of his parents and even spent parts of the offseason living in their basement earlier in his NFL career.
Vikings vs. Falcons Week 2 SNF Preview
The Vikings will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. Minnesota started the season 1-0 after a thrilling comeback win against the Chicago Bears, where their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy emerged as a star.
The Falcons came close to defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 but unfortunately lost 23-20 after their kicker, Younghoe Koo, missed a game-tying attempt.
Penix has looked great so far, but going against Brian Flores’ defense will be a tough challenge for him. However, he has players like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts to make things easier for him.
As for the Vikings, they’ll need consistency from McCarthy, who threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns on his NFL debut.
