Despite going through multiple hard hits in his NFL career, quarterback Kirk Cousins had never undergone surgery until Week 8 of the 2023 season when he tore his Achilles. This injury meant the end of his season and required surgery, putting him on an unknown journey of recovery. Cousins, who had recently joined the Atlanta Falcons, reached out to fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers for advice, as Rodgers was ahead in his recovery process after tearing his Achilles just a few plays into his time with the New York Jets. Cousins planned to use Rodgers as a benchmark for his own recovery and found encouragement in stories of athletes who had recovered successfully from similar injuries.
Cousins was told that his recovery would take approximately nine months before he could get back on the field, with a full return not expected until 12 months post-surgery. Despite this timeline, Cousins was able to join his Falcons teammates for OTAs, where he was seen throwing the ball and making progress. He found this process positive and crucial in building relationships with his new team. Cousins understood the delicate balance between pushing the body for recovery and avoiding setbacks, acknowledging the importance of finding that fine line in rehabilitation.
The Falcons had shown faith in Cousins by signing him to a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in March. Both the team and Cousins were unsure of how he would perform in his 13th year after such a significant injury. Nevertheless, Cousins remained focused on proving himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks and leading the Falcons back to the playoffs. He hoped that his recovery journey and eventual success could serve as an inspiration for others who may face similar challenges in the future.
Cousins recognized the need to continue his rehabilitation through the summer break to increase his speed and agility by the time training camp and the start of the season arrived. He embraced the slow and steady approach to recovery, knowing that rushing the process could lead to setbacks. Cousins understood that pushing his body to the point of healing without crossing the line was crucial for a successful recovery. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, Cousins remained determined to work towards achieving his goals on the field and proving that he could overcome this significant injury.
As Cousins navigated his recovery process, he drew inspiration and advice from other athletes who had successfully returned to sports after sustaining Achilles injuries. He exchanged ideas with Rodgers and sought out others who had experienced similar setbacks, finding encouragement in their stories of triumph. Cousins aimed to be another success story in the world of professional sports, hoping that his journey back to peak performance could serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for fellow athletes facing similar challenges. With a positive attitude and a commitment to his rehabilitation, Cousins worked towards reclaiming his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and leading his team to success on the field.
