Kirk Cousins - Game Changer

by Mark Dantonio

When Kirk Cousins stood behind the podium to speak on behalf of all Big Ten football players at the conferences annual Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago that late July afternoon in 2011 before 1,800 fans, I couldnt help but think back to his last four years at Michigan State. Despite the fact that he was about to address a huge crowd while being flanked by the top players representing Michigan States league rivals, Kirk seemed to fill that cavernous convention center ballroom with poise and confidence.

I had no doubt that he would pull off the assignment without a hitch. Id seen him speak to our team, as well as school groups and at community functions, on numerous occasions. He was always well-prepared, uncommonly smooth and articulate for a young man in his early twenties, mature beyond his years, gregarious and on-message.

Then, Kirk started to speak, and admittedly, even I wasnt prepared for the way he was about to so eloquently put his journey as a collegiate football player into words. He talked about what it meant to him to go from being an unheralded prospect from a small West Michigan high school to getting just one Big Ten scholarship offer to becoming the starting quarterback for the Spartans.

Kirk hit every note that afternoon while paying tribute to the people, places, traditions, and pageantry that make our game so great. He did so with a pitch-perfect blend of passion, well-placed humor, his convictions, and the power of his faith.

Most importantly, he talked about what a tremendous privilege it was to represent his team, classmates, university, family, as well as the fans who paid hard-earned money to watch him play, and the responsibilities that came with it. There was no sense of entitlement, no lack of trust; it was genuine. Kirk struck a chord that resonated with every person in that room.

Kirk was the guy every parent wanted his or her daughter to marry. It was clear he would go on to be a successful doctor, lawyer, or statesman after an outstanding football career. Some could even see him occupying the White House some day.

Those of us who had gotten to know Kirk up close and personal already knew all those things about him, and more. His combination of talent, character, common sense, compassion, leadership, dedication, humility, camaraderie, and humanity is something any coach would be blessed to have come across once during his career.

Its my goal to make a positive and productive impact on every player I coach, but in this case, I think its safe to say that Kirk left a more meaningful impression on me than I did him, for which Ill be forever grateful.

And if Kirk could have that effect on someone like me, I can only imagine the influence hes having as a steady role model for young people trying to find their way in this often confusing and contradictory day and age.

In our locker room, where 105 players from every socioeconomic, religious, and cultural background imaginable share the same limited space and breathe the same air, Kirk was more than a football player. He was a game-changer, and Ill always refer to him as a giver.

Kirk was, and still is, a tremendous ambassador for Michigan State, the Big Ten Conference, and all of college football while sharing his views and values with classrooms, hospitals, church groups, businesses you name it. I dont think the word no is in his vocabulary, except when hes faced with the possibility of making a bad personal decision.

It says a lot about Kirk that his teammates elected him to be a captain as a sophomore even before he took his first snap as the starting quarterback. Leaving MSU as only the second three-time captain in school history is a testament to his authenticity and sincerity as a person.

While his football career may look charmed, he didnt get to where he is today based on a glowing personality and a run of good fortune. From the outset, he had to win the number one job at Michigan State against the other talented quarterbacks we brought in. He had to overcome adversity and the criticism that comes with every position of leadership. He often spoke of climbing a mountain only to find another peak upon conquering his initial challenge. That is life today for everyone in this ultra-competitive society and culture. He continues to climb as this is being written.

Kirk is what you get when impeccable character and an off-the-chart competitive nature join forces. No one studied more video or prepared harder for a game. The thing is, he approaches his life the same way. Maybe thats why hes so at ease with openly sharing his Christian message when prompted. Regardless of their points of view on religion, people cant help but listen to him without taking offense because hes genuine. We all should be as blessed to feel so comfortable in our own skin.

What sets Kirk apart from the rest is that while so many people shy away from responsibilities, he embraces them as a platform from which he can inspire. Hes living proof that dreams do come true if you put forth the effort.

The Washington Redskins invited a barrage of criticism when they supposedly wasted a fourth-round pick on Kirk after taking the gifted Robert Griffin III in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. True to form, Kirk quieted the doubters by validating that decision when he stepped in for the injured RG3 and led the Redskins to a key late-season victory that kept their play-off hopes alive.

As the winningest quarterback in school history, who set MSU career records for passing yards, touchdown passes, passing efficiency, and total offense, and who as a junior led the team to its first Big Ten championship in twenty-one years and as a senior guided the Spartans to the inaugural conference title game, Kirk has established himself as one of Michigan States legacy players along with the likes of Bubba Smith and George Webster.

His final legacy: Kirk invested in people while being true to himself. He competed to become the best while learning the mechanics, trade, and pressures of a major college quarterback. He did it with a sense of calm, genuineness, humor, grace, and dignity. He created a chemistry that is still in place today.

Kirk is a role model worth emulating. He is a leader worth following and a spokesman worth listening to. He is a young man who walks his talk. He left a mark upon Michigan State University that will continue to live on. We are proud to call him one of ours.

I am honored that he asked me to write the Foreward for this, his first book. I am confident that all who read what he has written in these pages will be very glad they did.

Mark Dantonio
Head Football Coach
Michigan State University

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Jesus (Luke 12:48)

Have you ever heard the phrase, One thing leads to another? Such is this case with this book. Let me explain.

Every year in late July, the Big Ten Media Days are held at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago, Illinois. This event serves as the kickoff for the upcoming football season. Every media person remotely connected to the Big Ten is there, as well as head coaches, athletic directors, conference officials, and representatives from bowl games carrying Big Ten tie-ins. The event is, and feels like, a big deal, and if youre connected to Big Ten football, youre there.