(Video) Kirk Cousins’ Wife Shares Heartfelt Reflections on His Benching in Netflix’s Insightful Quarterback Documentary

Kirk Cousins wife Julie Hampton made an appearance on Netflix's Quarterback series and shared that her husband called Michael Penix after losing his starting job to the rookie.

(Video) Kirk Cousins’ Wife Shares Heartfelt Reflections on His Benching in Netflix’s Insightful Quarterback Documentary

Kirk Cousins and his wife Julie Hampton (Image via IMAGO/Netflix)

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Kirk Cousins returned as one of the three main features in the second season of Netflix’s docuseries Quarterback. Cousins’ inclusion initially raised a few eyebrows, and yet it presented fans with a massive opportunity to learn more about the 36-year-old’s monumental move from the Minnesota Vikings to the Atlanta Falcons in the summer of 2024.

Cousins moved his entire family to Atlanta to finish his career with the Birds. His journey was cut short after week 14, despite defeating the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Raheem Morris handed the starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr.

In one of the episodes of Quarterback, Cousins’ wife, Julie Hampton, recounted the moment after her husband received the news of his demotion. She found the Pro Bowler on the phone, congratulating Penix for bagging the job.

Hampton found the moment ‘cool,’ and yet it was very emotional because she understood the implications of losing the starter’s job to a rookie.

You just drove home from one of the hardest conversations you have ever had and you are gonna call Michael to say that the job is yours? I mean that brings tears to my eyes.

Julie Hampton said in the documentary

The Falcons made a business decision by benching Cousins. They stood at a crossroads where the next couple of games would have decided their fate.

Why did the Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. in 2024?

The Falcons agreed to a staggering $40 million per year deal with a 34+ quarterback who missed a chunk of the 2023 season due to an Achilles tear. Cousins looked all set to become the biggest QB name in Atlanta since Matt Ryan’s retirement until the Falcons made a shocking draft decision that left everyone scratching their heads, including the club’s owner.

(Video) Kirk Cousins' Wife Shares Heartfelt Reflections on His Benching in Netflix’s Insightful Quarterback Documentary
Kirk Cousins (Image via IMAGO)

General manager Terry Fontenot drafted highly rated Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall, whereas he was projected as a second-round pick. According to a report from ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Cousins wasn’t aware that his team would draft a rookie quarterback in the first round, let alone in the top 10.

He felt misled by the decision.

If I had the information around free agency, it certainly would’ve affected my decision. I had no reason to leave Minnesota, with how much we loved it there, if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I’ve also learned in 12 years in this league that you’re not entitled to anything.

Kirk Cousins said

Despite the development, Cousins set aside his ego and worked to build a rapport with his young teammate. However, it was clear that the Falcons played a cautious game of chess by adding Penix to the roster. His inclusion meant that even a minor slip-up was enough to cost Cousins’ starting quarterback role.

Former league MVP Cam Newton gave Cousins six games to prove himself before losing the job. Cousins started his Falcons career with two losses in the first three games but won three consecutive games against divisional opponents. He won over the locals after throwing 4 touchdowns against the Buccaneers in week 5.

However, a run of four straight losses in which he threw 8 interceptions was enough for head coach Raheem Morris to bench the veteran and give Penix a chance. Penix led the Falcons to a win against the Giants but lost the final two games to Washington and Carolina, missing out on the playoffs.

A section of the football pundits argued that Morris made the mistake of waiting too long to switch to Penix when the fans wanted to see the rookie right after Cousins threw four picks against the Chargers in week 10.

The Falcons are reportedly sticking with Penix as their starter for 2025. They drew the fifth-easiest schedule as per Sharp Football Analysis and will kick off the campaign by hosting Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers.

Cousins is staying in Atlanta even though mock trade lists linked him to a swift return to Minnesota or a new adventure in Pittsburgh.

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