Kirk Cousins expresses excitement as Falcons QB lands special role for Chiefs-Texans playoff game

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will step into a new role this weekend, trading his helmet for a microphone. His guest analyst spot for ESPN's postseason coverage marks a significant pivot after a turbulent 2024 season.

Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback with 42,979 career passing yards, joins ESPN's postseason NFL Countdown crew. His career statistics include 288 touchdowns, 126 interceptions and an impressive 66.9% completion rate.

The 36-year-old quarterback shared the news through his social media account on X on Saturday. His debut comes during ESPN/ABC's coverage of the Houston Texans-Kansas City Chiefs divisional playoff game this Saturday.

"Excited to join the NFL Countdown crew today @ESPNNFL," Cousins wrote on his X account.

The announcement marks his first broadcasting role.

His final stretch with Atlanta proved particularly challenging. In his last five starts, Kirk Cousins threw nine interceptions against a single touchdown. Two of his final four starts resulted in sub-200-yard passing performances.

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Following coach Raheem Morris' decision to bench him, Kirk Cousins faced the media.

"I didn't forget how to play quarterback," Cousins told reporters on Wednesday. "Certainly, turnovers were not what you want, but I didn't forget how to play."

His statement came amid a career-worst season for interceptions, leading the league with 16 picks.

The broadcasting move mirrors successful transitions by other NFL players. Greg Olsen notably called games for Fox while still active and secured a permanent position post-retirement. Cousins brings his own media experience, having earned praise for his appearance on Netflix's "Quarterback" series.

This season's struggles paint a stark contrast to Cousins' earlier success. His 3,508 passing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024 fell short of expectations, leading to Morris' decision to start rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16.

Despite the setbacks, Cousins' NFL credentials remain impressive. However, with multiple teams potentially interested in his quarterback services, this ESPN appearance might serve as a trial run rather than a retirement announcement.