Following their 26-20 overtime playoff win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was asked how his Christian faith helped him deal with the playoff pressure. Cousins replied,

“I appreciate the question, Chris. Ultimately it is about the team, and I am just trying to do my part for this team and help us win. The quarterback carries the weight and that just comes with the job. Like you said, my faith is important to me and it is the foundation of my life, and ultimately that is where I gain my peace and strength. Win or lose today, God is still on the Throne.”

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Cousins’ NFL career has been tumultuous, to say the least. Prior to Sunday’s win, Cousins had never won a playoff game, boasting a 7-16 record for both primetime and playoff games (0-8 on Monday Night Football, the worst record in NFL history).

Signed by the Vikings in 2018 on a three-year, $85 million deal, Cousins’ woes continued as he failed to build on the Vikings 13-3 season a year prior, going 8-7-1 in 2018 and missing the playoffs.

Despite his on-field struggles, Cousins’ faith has remained a constant strength in his life. Speaking to Sports Spectrum shortly after being drafted by the Vikings, Cousins explained,

“God is so much bigger than pleasing a boss or pleasing a teacher or winning a group of friends,” he continued, “God is so much bigger than that. He can lead you to the right people. He can create the right environment, the right situation, the right college opportunity. You don’t have to bend over to the ways of the world. You can work and strive to please the Lord and then He will make things work out for you in turn.”

Cousins will get his first chance to play for an NFC Championship game as the Vikings take on the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round.