Kirk Cousins denies NFL analyst’s claims of setting expectations of 0-1 start based on hidden messages in viral birthday playlist

Kirk Cousins' practice playlist went viral earlier this week, generating plenty of reactions online. Perhaps the most in-depth response on the playlist was given on "Good Morning Football" on August 20 by Kyle Brandt.

Brandt speculated that the order and lyrics of the first song secretly told fans that the Atlanta Falcons would be losing in Week 1. Cousins later responded, but here is what Brandt said.

Kyle Brandt: [00:01:23] "I think Kirk is seeing the whole season playing out in this playlist, and in a sort of Da Vinci Code-ian way," he began.

"Remember, Kirk's coming off an Achilles, is with the new team, with the new coach. Week one, track one. ... Jimmy Eat World. I don't think they're winning week one. I think he knows that. They're playing Pittsburgh. He says, 'Try your best, try everything you can, but it just takes some time,'" Brandt said. [00:02:13][50.6] GMFB

Cousins called Brandt on August 21st to stiff-arm the claims. Brandt didn't talk to him live on air but did play a voicemail Cousins left him.

Kirk Cousins: [00:00:34] "I was like, 'I like this song.' [I went to see the] coach's assistant who's the DJ [of practice]. And [said], 'I got to give you an attaboy. That was an awesome practice playlist.' She said, 'It was your birthday. It was all for you.' So she just basically guessed and she guessed correctly," he said. [00:00:54][19.8]

What was in Kirk Cousins' practice playlist?

Kirk Cousins at Green Bay Packers v Minnesota Vikings - Source: Getty

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback caused quite a stir with his old-school playlist. The team posted the list on social media, where it spread like wildfire. Here's the list, per NFL UK & Ireland:

Bands in the playlist included The All-American Rejects, Green Day, blink-182, The Killers, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, and 3 Doors Down, among others.

However, most practices across the league feature rap, modern hip-hop, and other such high-intensity soundtracks. The bands featured in Cousins' birthday playlist are often played on FM radio and quietly in waiting rooms, elevators, and grocery stores.

That said, for Kyle Pitts' new quarterback, it appears that the hype music from yesteryear still gets his blood pumping.

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.