Kirk Cousins: I'm learning from former NFL QB Chris Weinke

By: Alan Babbitt
The Holland Sentinel

Kirk Cousins is not resting on the laurels of a strong showing for NFL scouts at the Jan. 28 Senior Bowl.

The 23-year-old quarterback from Holland has returned to Bradenton, Fla., to continue workouts with former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke, among others, in preparation for the upcoming NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

“January was a much busier month between the bowl game, coming to IMG Academies, going back to Indianapolis to speak at the NCAA convention, coming back here and going to the Senior Bowl,” Cousins said. “February is a little less busy, but as important for me. I’m training at IMG until Feb. 22, flying to Grand Rapids for a stop at home, then turn around and flying to Indianapolis to start the combine.

“For the next 2 1/2 weeks, I’m just going to be here continuing to train six days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.”

The NFL Combine is one of the final chances Cousins will have to impress NFL teams. He also is planning to throw at Michigan State’s Pro Day in March.

The Holland Christian graduate boosted his stock at the Senior Bowl with a good week of practice leading up to the all-star game. Some media observers wrote that Cousins showed the strongest arm and best command of a pro-style offense of the North quarterbacks that included Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Wisconsin’s Russell Taylor.

There are some projections that elevated Cousins to as high as second-round draft pick in April.

“I felt like I have a strong arm. I could make all the throws,” Cousins said. “I felt people were doubting that. I was excited for the opportunity during the week of practice as well as the game itself to show the coaches and the scouts that I had the arm to make all the throws.”

Cousins is working at IMG along with 30 other NFL prospects through a deal set up with his agent, Mike McCartney.

McCartney is the son of former Colorado football coach and Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney.  All  of Cousins’ training expenses are paid by McCartney.  Cousins has graduated from MSU.

“Chris Weinke as a QB coach was very highly recommended by my agent,” Cousins said. “He believed Chris would be the best possible coach for me getting ready for the NFL. After being there a few weeks, I can see what he says is right.”