For veteran NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, success on the gridiron has always been intertwined with a life built beyond it. His journey, marked by high-pressure contracts and high-profile moves, finds its true anchor not in the roar of the stadium, but in the quiet strength of family. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Atlanta Falcons, this balance remains his defining trait.
More Than a Game: Family as the Foundation
Throughout his 13-year professional career, Cousins has never allowed football to be his sole identity. His commitment, he believes, extends far past the locker room, woven into the very fabric of his personal life. This philosophy became publicly symbolic years ago when he chose to wear his wedding ring during games—a proud declaration of his priorities. In a 2016 interview cited by USA Today, Cousins explained, "My wife’s been a huge supporter to me, and I want people not to be afraid of marriage but to be excited about it." This gesture underscores how central his family has been through every phase of his career.
A Career Built on Major Moves and New Beginnings
Cousins first built his reputation with the Washington franchise from 2012 to 2017. His performance there set the stage for a landmark contract—a three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 that reset the market for quarterbacks at the time. The spotlight intensified in 2023 when he offered fans an intimate look at his life through the Netflix docuseries 'Quarterback.'
The upcoming Season 2, set for release on July 8, promises to capture the emotional transition following his departure from Minnesota and his signing of a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Through all these professional shifts, his wife, Julie Hampton Cousins, has been a constant, steadying force.
Who is Julie Hampton Cousins?
Julie Hampton Cousins grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, away from the glare of professional sports. Raised by parents Sue and Michael alongside her two older brothers, Scott and Steve, she attended the University of Georgia, forging a path in education and service. Her life intersected with Kirk's in 2012 through a mutual family friend, as reported by The Washington Post.
Their relationship blossomed, leading to a nervous proposal by Kirk in November 2013. Recalling the moment, he said, "I was extremely nervous... I was holding her hand and she goes, ‘Why are your hands cold and sweaty?’" The couple married on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta.
A former elementary school teacher, Julie now co-leads the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation, which supports causes like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and International Justice Mission. Together, they are raising their two sons, Cooper and Turner, while managing philanthropic work and business ventures, including the purchase of the Clearbrook Golf Course in Michigan. Their partnership exemplifies how a strong personal foundation can anchor success at the highest levels of professional sport.
