Emotional Kirk Cousins fights back tears after Vikings’ win over Packers

Quarterback Kirk Cousins played his first game after his return to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and he did so at the same place he tore his Achilles back in 2023.Cousins and the Vikings dismantled the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, 30-10, and the offense played one of its best games of the season while the defense played its typical elite brand of ball.The Vikings quarterback completed 21-of-31 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns to one interception.MORE: Packers booed by own fans after Vikings’ defensive masterclassCousins’ play was a far cry from what the Vikings were getting from their quarterbacks over the first eight games.So far, it’s safe to say the trade is paying off.Kirk Cousins emotional after win over PackersMinnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) gets pressure from Green Bay Packers linebacker Kenny Clark (97) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)After the game, Cousins reflected on the injury he suffered a little over three years ago and the Vikings’ win in his first game back with the team.Cousins was understandably emotional.“It was emotional coming to the stadium,” he said. “Three years ago, tearing my Achilles here, it’s been a tough three years and I was just grateful for the opportunity to play here today. Grateful for my teammates and what they did today to make this outcome possible.”“It’s been a tough three years,” Cousins added. “There’s more to this story being written.”An emotional Kirk Cousins, in his return to the Vikings at Lambeau Field: “I tore my Achilles here and it’s been a tough three years…” https://t.co/8PhbEVs7Oq— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) November 15, 2026Just an incredible full-circle kind of moment for Cousins, who has gone through a lot since the torn Achilles that many believed was the death blow to his career.The long road back to MinnesotaLas Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Since that injury, Cousins had a rough stint with the Atlanta Falcons for two years that had many believing he was finished.He then joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026 and revived his career as the starter there before he was traded to Minnesota.Now, Cousins is at the head of the 7-2 Vikings who are in first place in the NFC North and he has an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl if he can continue providing the level of quarterback play like he did on Sunday combined with the Vikings’ elite defense.—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —