Kirk Cousins expected a ‘mature conversation’ to get old Vikings No. 8 back, but instead got a big surprise
After Kirk Cousins was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, the biggest question that needed an immediate answer was not whether he would be the team’s starter because that’s why he was there, but whether he would get his old No. 8 jersey back.
Cousins wore number 8 during his previous six years with the Vikings before leaving in 2025.
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And that was a big deal for Cousins. He wanted the number and told reporters Wednesday he would talk to safety Jakobe Thomas about getting it back since the rookie has had it since joining the team this season.
Kirk Cousins celebrates on the field after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 17, 2022. (Getty Images)
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“I’m confident that Jakobe and I can have a healthy, mature conversation and figure this out,” Cousins told reporters.
For those not initiated into NFL lore, this usually means a negotiation followed by a financial transaction.
The number in exchange for money.
Cousins kept his promise to have that conversation by texting Thomas early Wednesday to see what it would take to make it happen.
Everyone thought the trade had proven lucrative for Thomas because when Cousins came out for practice on Thursday, he was wearing number 8.
And Thomas wore number 6.
Except this is where Jakobe Thomas gains great respect in the eyes of the team’s new starting quarterback because he simply gave Cousins his number.
No negotiation.
No mature conversation.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kenny Clark in the first quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 29, 2023. (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
“We trade, Kirko comes in. I look and I’m just like, ‘Yeah, he’s probably going to ask me about that,'” Thomas said. “And I was just like, ‘He has more memories than me with this number and it’s his number right now.’ He has more reputation than me, so let’s give it up.”
“Don’t need money. I just need him to come here and win games. I don’t want money. I don’t need anything. Just win games.
“…It is rightly his.”
It’s class.
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This is not a cold deal, but a gracious camaraderie.
Obviously, no one would have blamed Thomas for waiting for money. Cousins, 38 and in his 15th season in the NFL, has earned approximately $322 million during his career.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 24, 2023. (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
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Thomas, on his first NFL contract, is making $1.32 million this season.
But what is the price of the respect Thomas has earned from Cousins? Probably priceless.
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