Among the eight quarterbacks who ended their season abruptly with an injury, the Minnesota Vikings’ starter, Kirk Cousins, was a notable one. Amid his struggle with a season-ending torn Achilles injury, the Vikings struggle also continued till they ended the season with a 7-10 record and missed the playoff.
Nevertheless, though both the Vikings and Cousins’ seasons ended, by dint of “Kirk Cousins Curse,” the signal-caller’s existence continued till the Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Origins of the Kirk Cousins Curse
The origin of the Kirk Cousins curse dates back to 2016, which marked a peculiar streak that impacted the fate of NFL teams. The curse’s premise was simple: no team that suffered a regular-season loss to Kirk Cousins managed to reach the Super Bowl in the same campaign. Throughout this time, this jinx has haunted a total of 14 teams.
The curse continued to play its role during the 2023 season, when the Minnesota Vikings secured a 22-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. Little did the 49ers know that this defeat would come back to haunt them later in the season.
Despite initially leading the Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs with a promising 10-0 score, the 49ers faced a formidable challenge from Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The game ended in a tie, forcing overtime, and eventually, the Chiefs secured their victory, becoming the first team to achieve back-to-back championships since the New England Patriots in 2003–2004.
The 49ers were not the only victims of the Kirk Cousins curse. The Detroit Lions, who were on the verge of extending the curse in the NFC title game, experienced a dramatic turn of events.
In spite of leading by 17+ points at halftime, the Lions faced an unexpected defeat, becoming the first team in NFL history to lose a conference championship game in such a scenario. The 27-0 turnaround emphasized the unpredictable nature of the Kirk Cousins curse on the grand stage.
Cousins’ influence on the Vikings and potential free agency departure
As March approaches, Kirk Cousins is set to become a free agent as his contract automatically voids, and an interesting clause prevents him from being franchise-tagged. Though rumors circulated regarding a hefty demand from the quarterback, he himself stated his unwillingness to seek the biggest payday, emphasizing factors beyond dollars in his decision-making process.
“Everything that isn’t the dollars. That stuff you also work through,” he said per Bleacher Report.
The Vikings may find reassurance in retaining Cousins as he takes a unique approach to free agency. Despite concerns about his season-ending injury, notably a torn Achilles, Cousins showcased his spirit with a memorable dance performance at the NFL Honors 2024. This lighthearted display suggests a positive outlook on his recovery.
Meanwhile, his legacy in the league prior to his injury is notable, leading the NFL with 18 touchdowns and ranking second with 2,331 passing yards.
As the Vikings weigh their options, their veteran player presents a compelling case for a return, blending his on-field productivity with a unique approach to the dynamics of free agency.
