Career Timeline of Kirk Cousins: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kirk Cousins made an impact.

Kirk Cousins is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Michigan State and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2012. Notably, Cousins holds a high completion percentage ranking sixth all-time among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts, and he also boasts an impressive regular season career passer rating, ranking 11th in NFL history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Redskins drafted Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte

In 1994, the Washington Redskins drafted Heath Shuler and Gus Frerotte.

2011: Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III

In 2011, The Washington Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III.

May 31, 2012: Signed four-year contract with the Redskins

On May 31, 2012, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Washington Redskins.

December 15, 2012: First NFL Start and Victory

On December 15, 2012, Kirk Cousins made his first NFL start for the Washington Redskins against the Cleveland Browns, leading the team to a 38-21 victory, and was later voted Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.

2012: Drafted by Washington Redskins

In 2012, Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

December 11, 2013: Named Starting Quarterback

On December 11, 2013, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins for the rest of the year after Robert Griffin III was deactivated.

August 31, 2015: Named Season Starter

On August 31, 2015, Kirk Cousins was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins for the season over Robert Griffin III.

2015: Replacing Griffin and leading the team to a division title.

In 2015, Kirk Cousins replaced an injured Robert Griffin III as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins and led the team to a division title.

March 1, 2016: Franchise Tag

On March 1, 2016, the Redskins used the non-exclusive franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, acting as a one-year, $20 million contract.

2016: Career-High Passing Yards

In 2016, Kirk Cousins led the team to a winning record and finished the season with a career-high 4,917 passing yards, which was third in the NFL.

February 28, 2017: Exclusive Franchise Tag

On February 28, 2017, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins agreed on the exclusive franchise tag, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to be franchise-tagged in consecutive years.

2017: NFC Offensive Player of the Week

During a Week 3 27–10 victory over the Oakland Raiders on NBC Sunday Night Football in 2017, Kirk Cousins earned his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week award of his career.