Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Kirk Cousins: New deal will help me emerge as a leader

Washington Redskins v Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 26: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins celebrates at the end of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 38-24. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins was always a laid-back guy, but the “You Like That?” side sometimes emerges.

And if he gets a long-term deal from his team, he thinks it will come out more often.

Via the Washington Post, Cousins said in an interview on ESPN 980 that a contract would allow him to be himself.

There’s a side of me that people don’t understand,” Cousins said. “I remember in the Vikings game, when I reacted to what I thought was a pass interference and was all emotional about it, I got a lot of questions after, ‘Why so much emotion?’ I thought to myself, well, that’s who I am. That’s how I would normally react. I think what I’ve shown for years now really isn’t me, partly because there’s so much on my mind and so much I’m trying to do that I try not to get distracted by anything. But when I’m rolling and I’m feeling good, that’s the Kirk that comes out. . . .

“That is the benefit to the long-term deal. It’s, okay, I’m the guy, I’ve got, you know, full freedom to lead, full freedom to just be the guy, to make this mine, and to get that permission, if you will. That’s where I think the leash comes off and you’re able to fully go, and I’m excited for that day to come, whether it comes this year or down the road. I can’t wait.”

Playing under the franchise tag again remains a possibility, though it’s not an appealing option for either side. But if he helps “You Like That?” Kirk come out more often, it may be worth it.