After struggling a torn Achilles to finish his twelfth season within the NFL, four-time Professional Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins rearranged his day-to-day life round a meticulous and monotonous rehab schedule. That damage ended his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, and he was decided to show over a brand new leaf subsequent season.
However when, earlier this summer season, GQ sat with the brand new Atlanta Falcons quarterback on a lake in Western Michigan, he appeared excited to place that course of behind him. We had been onboard his Manitou pontoon boat—he is an organization spokesman. And perhaps it was the chilliness lake-life vibes, but when there’s a stage of stress that comes after signing a four-year, $180-million cope with a brand new workforce, below a brand new teaching workers, whereas working again to type from a serious damage, it is not current when Cousins is on the water. He informed GQ about what he realized whereas working his approach again to type and why he’ll by no means be choosy on the subject of “naughty meals.”
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GQ: How would you say the rehab course of has impacted your typical offseason routine?
It is dramatically modified. I imply, I by no means thought I would spend this a lot time on my on my decrease proper leg. Every single day and a number of instances a day, it is modalities for my Achilles to strengthen my calf and heal that space. That actually is focus primary. There are definitely different issues I must do to care for my shoulder to throw the soccer, plus consuming, and sleeping proper. There are every kind of bodywork and soccer prep I might be doing, however primary is getting the Achilles healed and robust in order that it’s actually within the rearview mirror, and I can play as the identical participant I used to be earlier than the damage.
Up till this, you had by no means missed a sport in your profession because of damage, which highlights how lucky you’ve been and the way effectively you care for your physique. With the Achilles taking on a majority of the main focus, what’s the balancing act to not quick change what you’re doing for the remainder of your physique?
That is the problem. All offseason, I’ve needed to give attention to the Achilles, however to not the detriment of getting the remainder of myself prepared for the season. That actually has been a time burden of how do I discover the additional time to do the Achilles once I already was so busy doing every part else. That is a little bit of a dance. You have to be adaptable as a professional athlete. Issues are at all times getting thrown your approach. We figured it out and managed it, however that has been a problem this offseason.
That is the place getting on a ship and having the ability to type of take a look at is so useful. You have to actually be structured as a result of in any other case, you’ll be able to watch your days get away from you. I wished to verify on this summer season break that we take the time to rehab the Achilles, take the time to prepare for the season, but in addition take the time to recharge the batteries in order that once I do return for coaching camp, I’m prepared for a seven-month grind versus operating out of gasoline.
