Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, meeting with him in the Oval Office. The two have maintained a relationship for years, dating back to Cousins’ time with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2017, they played golf together at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and in 2019, Trump called Cousins to congratulate him after a Vikings victory over the New York Giants.
Cousins joined the Falcons last offseason on a four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed. However, his first season in Atlanta was challenging, as he threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, marking his lowest quarterback rating since 2014. As a result, head coach Raheem Morris transitioned to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during the season, even as the Falcons remained in playoff contention.
Reports indicate that Cousins recently met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank to express his desire to play for a team where he could start, given the organization’s commitment to Penix Jr. Despite this, the Falcons have maintained their stance on keeping Cousins as a backup. The team holds an option to opt out of his contract after the 2025 season, once his guaranteed $100 million is fulfilled.
Cousins’ visit to the White House highlights his ongoing friendship with President Trump, reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect. While his future in Atlanta remains uncertain, his meeting with Trump shows he continues to have strong ties beyond the football field.