Kirk Cousins Kickoff Luncheon Speech

Michigan State Quarterback Kirk Cousins delivers the speech to represent the players at the 2011 Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon.

[@stephentaruc3753]

Nearly three years later and this speech is still exceptional. A lot people at State would make (affectionate) fun of him for his tight affiliation with his faith, but he truly is an example. Then and now in the pros he continues to express his greatness in such a dignified manner. Also, at end, Coach Hoke can't take his eyes off of him like "... I want one." LOL

[@kgk4L96]

he didn't knocked it out of the park, he knocked it out of the country. Amazing speech. Very, very, very well done.

[@Sam07HKS]

It's a privilege to play in a marching band that is loved by a man who gives such an excellent speech. The Spartan Marching Band is behind Cousins and every other Spartan on that field. Can't wait to see how far we go this fall!!

[@comerpastor]

What an outstanding speech! I wished that all collegiate players would take time to listen and adopt the wonderful attitude of this talented quarterback! I was at the Outback Bowl in Tampa as a fan of the University of Georgia, but after seeing this video that was recommended by Mike Tirico, I am now also a fan of Kirk Cousins. May much success follow you in whatever your next endevour may be!

[@2792vikes]

How could you dislike this video? Kirk Cousins one of the good players in college football and a role model to any young player on how they should act and treat others. In today's world there are too many stories of athletes using their god given ability and abusing it. Cousins is truly one of the good guys in sports today

[@Rowsy91]

This guy won me over here as a college kid, and although it hasnt always been roses with him and my Vikes, i love having this man as our QB. Gutted for his achilles injury, but always proud to have him rep the purple.

[@ApostoliholicAlex]

I just came across this video and I couldn't help but notice how humble Kirk Cousins is and how he gives God the glory. It is amazing that a quarterback displays those traits that are very respectable. I'm going to have to watch some of the Michigan State games this coming season.

[@Jayceedonna]

Mr. Cousins... I will never be able to root for MSU as our family history is deeply rooted in Blue, but after hearing this speech I will always root for you. Thank you; I hope your words here continue to inspire our young people to not just be great but to do great things.

[@kerbawya]

We are privileged to have you as a Spartan Kirk. God be with you.

[@jhandleybama]

Pure class! I'm an Alabama fan, but I will definitely be pulling for Kirk Cousins and Michigan State as well. Go Spartans! Roll Tide!

[@chillyc57]

I am an Ohio st fan down to the bone and if you ask my seven year old daughter she will tell you this! However Kirk is what the big ten is all about you have now gained a fan in whatever you choose to do in life and it was a privilege to hear this speech!

[@Nintend0n]

I attend the high school where he went and I've seen him around school before just talking to teachers and students to see how they are doing. What a guy.

[@YourFriendBrian]

Big notre dame fan but Kirk cousins is a phenomenal person and a great quarterback, hope he has tremendous success in the future

[@boilerdowd]

Wish he would have been a Boilermaker...Congrats to Spartan fans for being able to call him "one of us". I'll be rooting for Cousins to do great(er) things this fall and after.

[@Applepickersxtreme]

I go to the University of Georgia, and though the loss at the Outback Bowl was a close and sad one, I respect Kirk Cousins so much. Michigan State was a very worthy opponent, and Cousins is a great Quarterback and an even better person. Congratulations!

[@samthelima]

Wonderful speech, full of wisdom! I'm an Irish fan, but I looked up Cousins because of how well he played today (he had tons of yards passing today). Now I'll have another reason to keep an eye out for him in the future. Best of luck this season Kirk!

[@QuestionmarkX3]

I may be a wolverine, but my brother in Christ just said some words that added some great prospective to my life. I didn't like Kirk on Saturdays, but I can't help but wish him well just because he is an excellent individual.

[@btrask3]

Just as many of us are loosing hope, and are worried about the decline of our country, along comes a man like this... Thanks Kirk for being a true patriot and demonstrating exactly what is good in America! And someday, I hope many many men and women who share your passion for responsibility, descend on Washington DC to reclaim the integrity, of which you speak.

[@82jmontgomery]

As a Clemson fan, after hearing that speech, I can say I've found a new favorite player outside of my Tigers. Wow, State and the Big Ten are lucky to have Kirk Cousins as a steward of their program and conference. I hope State wins the Big Ten this season!

[@thomas25751]

Anyone who dislikes this video has no class. Kirk Cousins is the best role model I have ever seen as a college football player.

[@199zmurphy]

i just heard about this on NBC during the Irish vs Spartys game and had to see it. truly inspirational.

[@DMVPRIDE10]

Kirk you're a great man. The players will need your voice to triumph this season as the new starting QB. You know what you need to do. Good luck this year and I pray you will have many more as the Redskins QB. God bless brother.

[@novatotornero6508]

DMVPRIDE10- Kirk Cousins is NOT a true Christian, he NEVER thank god after making a touchdown, he does not wear a cross or a religious tee shirt and he NEVER acknowledge God. Cousins is a fuck up and a fraud chanting a arrogant rally cry "you like that" is not the same as chanting "thank you Jesus".

[@DMVPRIDE10]

Shut up

[@brettfavreify]

Well, at least Kirk Cousins can string words together in a proper sentence.

[@crzyswimmom]

It is our privilege to know and enjoy you as our friend, Kirk. You and your family are truly an inspiration to all of us. As to all the Obama stuff, how did football and the responsibilities of football players become a debate on our government? Good luck to all Spartans (especially our favorite) and the coaches. May you be blessed with health and success, another Big 10 Championship...and winning the Rose Bowl!

[@jghagemann]

I'm glad to say i had the privilege of going to Kirk's High School as an Exchange student and spending a little time with him. He's a very hardworking and humble person and I wish him all the best, he made all of us around him happy, he deserves all he's got, and it's great to see he's become the role model many knew he'd become, and the way he leads young people to a brighter future!

[@brettfavreify]

This an outstanding speech. Mark Dantonio should be proud, and Michigan State should have a job waiting for this guy in East Lansing in about 15 years.

[@ericbrenner690]

I remember this speech very well. It was highly acclaimed not just within the Big Ten, but within college football and beyond. Kirk Cousins has always been a very good public speaker and I wish the Big Ten would invite him back.

[@icefishkid28]

He is a very good guy. PERIOD.

[@ptulip]

Tressel needed more guys like that on his team. What a wonderful kid.

[@iamdaman2022]

It really was our privilege to watch this inspiration speech.

[@amfritch]

Well said Kirk! From one college athlete to another, I wish you the best in the future!

[@AesculusPavia]

Outstanding speech! You could tell he spoke from true conviction and he wasn't just reading and repeating a bunch of thoughts written down on a piece of paper. Spartans have every right to be proud to call him "their QB"...and I am sure his mother and father are proud to call him their son! A Buckeye since birth, but I will not have any trouble at all rooting for this young man.

[@footballgi14]

I am a huge Michigan fan and yet this is one sparty I'm rooting for this year.

[@balintuna]

I pray that GOD will continuously bless HIM so that he will touch more lives and continue to set a good example. Kudos to his parents for raising him right

[@pdoylemi]

I hope that other people in and out of athletics take this to heart. He speaks truisms that apply to all and makes me, as a Spartan, proud to say - "He is one of ours!"

[@CeezSlim]

Now I feel bad for cheering against Cousins! Great speech... Great call by Tirico giving this video his endorsement during the Outback Ball. Kirk Cousins gets it! He understands where our priorities should be. "Do what's right, not what feels right" - good job by him... Carrying out HIS work during this speech. God Bless.

[@ToddHahnMusic]

Deeply respect this man. As you can tell from this, he is who the young people of our country should look up to.

[@Eag7892]

That speech was awesome Kirk. I have a son who plays college football and I just forwarded it on to him. I hope he enjoys it as much as I did. Good job.

[@BigO8872]

I grew up as a die hard Wolverine, and am now a very proud Indiana Hoosier, so I can't possibly root for his team on the field. That being said, I wish him nothing but the best both and off the field, because this is a guy with a great future in whatever he does. Great Speech.

[@fourmaplesoutback]

Cousins spoke at my kid's school and turned a 12 year old indifferent to college football into a diehard Spartan fan. And, more importantly, provided an example of one using his opportunities wisely.

[@55woodie]

Kirk is a fine young man that has and will continue to inspire youth athletes on and off the field! Greatest Bowl game in a long time ! ! ! Congrats to both Teams, family and fans of the Bulldogs and Spartans!

[@juststopitplease]

its been a privilege to watch you lead our spartans young man.

[@SpartyBeaumont]

Hands-down one of the classiest young men to play football, at MSU or elsewhere. We are truly privileged to share the name 'Spartan' with you, sir. You already have greater victory than could ever be earned on the field. God bless you, brother.

[@hmacks]

Great job Mr and Mrs Cousins - your son has an eternal perspective on football - Kirk really understands the place of privilige he has been given - God's best to you Kirk and family!

[@Mostwantedrecord]

Lovely Speech.....Heard about this speech while I was Watching him play against Notre Dame...I wish him all the best..humble ppl still exist.pop pop pop weng!!!

[@bamaaiagirl]

What a fine humble young man...he gets it....he sees that God has given him this talent and opportunity to "do good" to others....to be an example, to give young people someone to look up to and emulate. I wish you the best kirk cousins this year and in your future. God Bless and Roll Tide....

[@sirvanderlaan]

It is a privilege to be a Spartan fan.

[@chadwicklawrence373]

You make me proud to be a Spartan.

[@wiixxxproducers]

Really was never a MSU fan, but I had great respect for Cousins. True leader out there. And I got chills watching him lead that game-tying drive against Georgia. I was glad to see him win his final game. Not his best game by far, but still came out a winner, hope he gets a shot in the NFL.

[@christianedits3761]

God bless this guy. I'll always look up to him

[@Pmom378]

What a special young man. Much appreciation from an Ohio State fan.

[@Zee66502]

The power of social media. Thanks Mike Tirico.

[@Hawaiifundiver]

Class Act! Very humble! More players got to listen to this speech.

[@ejfoster33]

As a Husker fan, I just want to say what an honor and privilege it is to play in the Big 10. Great schools, coaches, players, and fans! Kirk Cousins is a fine example and model of what a student athlete should be. Best of luck to him!

[@MrPiston1989]

He is a very nice young man, you can go and talk with him like he knows you or something, I am from Holland Michigan Kirks hometown and I tell ya we are all proud of him, he is doing a lot for the Tulip City, thank you kirk.

[@nazmusicman]

Wow! I have always been impressed with this young man, I am even more so after watching and listening to this video!

[@bendbadgersteve]

That was an outstanding presentation. May he and the other kids playing football in the conference live up to a wonderful collection of thoughts and axioms for life.

[@febbday93]

If someone were to ask me the question "if you could eat dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?" I would definitely pick this guy! I was so impressed! what an amazing human being! Can't wait to hear what he is doing 20 years from now...

[@puddinnike49]

Yes! Thank you for this. I am sharing with everyone........

[@isawthemlive]

@MissPiper56 i'm not even an MSU fan but i'm a Big Ten girl, so to see the spartans come back like that just made my day. my heart stopped for a sec when that kick was blocked

[@nathanlotane5760]

Just read his book......get up and buy it now, it's these words of wisdom in more detail

[@Cockytop54]

This young embodies the very essence of what a student athlete should be. A clear understanding of the difference in privilege, entitlement, and responsibility for the "privileged" student athlete. This young man has the "It" factor, maybe one day, dare I say, I may call him my President! I am a Gamecock from South Carolina, his coach is an alumni of my school, and I now have a favorite second school, the MSU Spartans!

[@FitnHealthyOne]

Kirk you are the man and thanks for being eloquent in your message/beliefs/faith. Love you brotha from anotha motha! (I’m from boston and tom brady is king)

[@burnseboy]

Great to see a young man with confidence and character. Great job representing the big 10.

[@chronikuad]

Wow Kirk, you're the man! What a simple yet profound message.

[@IamIamView]

That was cool the love that Hoke was giving Cousins. And the respect that Cousins gave Robinson.

[@diamonddavemusic]

the words from this speech should be recited by every college team before each practice and game...

[@babyyhubbs3213]

I wish all youth high school players could have him as a mentor! Beyond amazing speech .

[@123rockfan]

Thanks Mike! Great video.

[@BIGMITCHSWAGG]

Great speech coming from a Michigan fan. :)

[@scottysantana7494]

This is what sports is all about

[@PeggyMSU]

I'm proud that Kirk Cousins is "one of us".

[@mathbook12]

Michigan State to the death of me. Kirk Cousins is a great role model

[@justwin11]

...21 dislikes? Seriously? This should be the mantra of all collegiate athletes....sadly, that sense of entitlement engulfs far too many. As an athletic coach, a speech coach, and a parent, this guy represents all that is right with college athletes.

[@TexMSU]

As a fellow Spartan, I am honored that Kirk is the QB of my alma mater's team. We are privileged to have Kirk lead the Green & White on Saturday's in the fall. I'm sad that he is a Senior and only has one year left to play, because I wish he had 10 years left. Way to go, Mr. Cousins! You make all Spartans proud! Go Green, Go White, Go State!

[@DirectorTurnerable]

this man is the physical embodiment what makes the Big 10 so great

[@BigPoppaNasty11]

The 3 dislikes are devier posey, terrel pryor, and boone herron :)... I love Kirk, he has been a god sent to the MSU program and I am honored to call myself a spartan with Kirk and Coach D leading the ship.

[@alaskanmal63]

what a great speach.. Congratulations to you and the Spartans.. Georgia Played Awesome as well.

[@robrun10]

Wise observations with much truth. Thanks for representing Christ well.

[@Mlopez33192]

As a Michigan fan, I would love to say that this man has life figured out. I hope he can teach many college football athletes to believe in his values. Good luck this year.

[@laurahowland5217]

Love this!

[@dro205]

Listening to this gives me chills... Roll Tide and Go Spartans!

[@BlueBanterFC]

Example of an amazing role model little kids should dream to grow up like this young man

[@jimsgin]

I just finished watching Michigan win their game against Georgia nada great game it was. Then Kirk's speech was mentioned. I got on the Internet and listened to his speech. I think I a going to put Kirk Cousin's name in for a presidential candidate. He has the more to say than anyone else I have listened to lately on the debates.

[@quarlescj]

Awesome! What a great guy...will be rooting for him in the NFL for sure!

[@michiganmike001]

He's one of ours

[@whitty130]

Wish we had players like this at UNC.

[@thomasl4896]

OUTSTANDING young man. You represent the Spartans well!

[@violenceteacher6669]

Great speech Kirk, from Buckeye Nation

[@Goalie61Troy]

That was awesome that is true leadership.

[@MrBabyshaq32]

I'm going to miss you dear captain kirk

[@kgk4L96]

As a Husker fan, all I can say, this guy is a future state Senator.

[@mikemill32]

kgkidz4life future hoFer

[@JRracing0116]

I like how Mike Tirico Sent us all here!

[@mrmsu]

Way to go Kirk!!! Glad to know there are still plenty of decent, hard-working student athletes who appreciate what they have. Go State!!!

[@mohottie30]

I like how Mr. Cousins refers to his belief in God. Whether you choose to believe in God is up to you. But he states how God has granted him some awesome opportunities and he hopes to use that for good and to be a role model for our youth. He also encourages other athletes to do the same. So while some on this board will question the existence of God, please realize that his faith motivates him and others to do good. I find it refreshing to see a young man with great attitude and a great outlook

[@satellitemobilephones]

Excellent! This is what it's all about.

[@traymon45]

High five to his parents for raising a great young man! They need to show more of this to the youth instead of the negative sides of athletes.

[@drstar44]

Thank you Mike Tirico

[@eai1911]

Great speech. I wish him continued success.

[@tj4y9]

Kir cousins makes me proud to be a sparty! Go Green

[@TheNebraska402]

i like the beat of the clapping at the end. and i guess i likes the speech too...