Kirk Cousins.Photo:Quinn Harris/Getty
Quinn Harris/Getty
Kirk Cousinsis living the dream.
Not long before the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, 35, suffered a season-ending tear to his Achilles in the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s 24-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Cousins spoke to PEOPLE about his love for the game.
“I’ve never gone to work and wondered if I should be doing something else for a living or if I’m in the wrong career, or if I need to switch jobs,” says Cousins, who starred in Netflix’sQuarterbackdocuseries this year alongsidePatrick MahomesandMarcus Mariota.
Cousins tells PEOPLE his “favorite part” of life in the NFL is simply being a part of the league he loves so dearly. “I think that’s a real blessing in and of itself, to go to work every day and feel like you’re living a dream,” he says.
The father of two young boys, Cousins says it’s “just such a privilege” to play in the NFL, and he’d “love to be able to play long enough” forTurner, 4, and Cooper, 5½, to “be able to really remember their dad playing and what that was like.”
Kirk Cousins (8) kisses his wife Julie Cousins.The Washington Post/Getty
The Washington Post/Getty
Cooper started attending games and he’s “able to sit in the stadium and watch,” says Cousins, while Turner “still goes to the childcare that the team provides” for players with children.
“Hopefully, in a few more years when I do retire, they’ll both really be able to remember it all,” says Cousins.
Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New York Giants.Stephen Maturen/Getty
Stephen Maturen/Getty
The quarterback knows retirement is imminent, but for now, Cousins' plan is simple. “Hopefully, I can do it as long as possible,” he says.
On Wednesday, the quarterback shared an update after undergoing surgery on his torn Achilles.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In a post on Instagram, Cousins gives a thumbs up to the camera while recovering in a hospital bed. The photo shows Cousins' foot and lower leg wrapped in a cast in the Vikings' signature purple.
Cousins wrote, “Surgery was a success! Grateful for your prayers, Dr. Coetzee’s abilities, and our medical team. Would appreciate continued prayers! One day at a time.”
The Vikings star received an outpour of support from fans and NFL personalities after his procedure.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders commented, “Praying for u my man and u will be back better than ever. God bless u.”
Las Vegas Raiders placekicker Daniel Carlson wrote, “Praying for you and the fam! look forward to seeing you out there again soon!”
source: people.com
