Kirk Cousins

Redskins Star QB Kirk Cousins Trusts God With Future, Turns Down $53 Million Contract

NFL fandom collectively gasped when 28-year-old NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins recently refused to sign his name on the dotted line – a signature that would’ve guaranteed him $53 million dollars over the next few years as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins. But he’s not taking early retirement, moving away, or pursuing another dream. So what’s his hesitation?

Cousins opted to sign a one-year deal with the Redskins because he’s trusting God completely with his future. He doesn’t want to limit what God can do in his life by being tied down for years in Washington, D.C. Indeed, next spring he will have the opportunity to be a free-agent.

Freedom. Or at least enough of a margin for God’s righteous plans. That’s exactly what Cousins is hoping for. This desire is uncommon; in fact, it has made him the first quarterback ever to play two consecutive seasons under a short-term franchise tag.

In a CBS radio report, Cousins elaborated on his all-consuming trust in God, and you won’t want to miss his soul-stirring remarks.

Surrendering His Talent

Cousins has talent. In fact, that’s quite an understatement. Although the Redskins have floundered in past seasons, last season they made it to the playoffs with Kirk at the helm. By the end of the season, his 4,917 total yards ranked third in the entire league!

Despite his success, he hasn’t lost sight of what matters. Cousins elaborated, “What rarely ever gets reported is that ultimately this decision is not about anything more importantly than my faith … Do I feel like the Lord is leading me to make this decision or that decision and where does he give me peace?”

And even though he didn’t sign a long-term contract, Kirk has not felt called by the Lord to leave Washington, D.C. He commented, “I would love to be with the Redskins long-term. … I could play for the Redskins for the next 10 years on one-year deals.”

Cousins has no intention of taking the easy road. The Lord has blessed him with this talent, and in return, Cousins gives God his love, devotion, and life. He aims to follow God wherever He leads – even if He leads him away from football.

According to Cousins, “[God] brought me to D.C. … He had a plan for me. I didn’t know if it was going to be for football or for something else, but he placed me in Washington, D.C., for a reason.”

Waiting on the Lord

In this hurried and frazzled culture, it is extraordinary to find someone – especially a young person – who has learned the value of slowing down. But Kirk has. Instead of rushing into a long-term deal with the Redskins, he believes that this year will give him a chance to get a better feel for the team and to wait on the Lord’s plan.

When he first came to D.C. and sought God’s plan, Cousin was “content to be patient and allow time to reveal that and to continue to just wait on the Lord.” And now, as spectators question what will come of Kirk’s future, his answer remains the same: “I’m trusting the Lord.”

Trust or Security?

It can be argued that what is most remarkable about this recent news is that Kirk Cousins has publically chosen to forgo a high degree of financial security, choosing instead to trust God. Some might call it “foolish,” others “reckless,” and still others “living on the edge.” Whatever you want to call it, the truth is that Kirk is living an intentional life filled with purpose, trusting God and following Him with abandon.

The Bible points out that God provides even for the birds, so how much more does he care for us humans? (Matthew 6:26). So much so, in fact, that he has created incredible, unbelievable plans for those who choose to follow Him – plans to “prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

No amount of calendar-creating, contract-signing, and to-do list making on our part will ever equate to the promises of God. Kirk Cousins has realized the power of God’s plans and acted accordingly. He stands by his decision, even as the world looks at him with curiosity, confusion, and criticism. Now it’s your turn.