From Big Ten to NFL: Russell Wilson’s History Against Kirk Cousins
Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins, two of the NFL’s most prominent quarterbacks, have a rivalry that dates back to their college days in the Big Ten. Wilson, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers, and Cousins, the Michigan State Spartans’ signal-caller, had memorable matchups in college before their paths crossed again in the NFL.
College Days: Big Ten Showdowns
The rivalry began in the Big Ten Conference, where both quarterbacks were known for their leadership and playmaking abilities. The most notable encounter came in 2011, when Wilson, in his one and only season with Wisconsin after transferring from NC State, faced off against Cousins’ Spartans in a thrilling regular-season game. Cousins led Michigan State to a dramatic 37-31 victory, throwing a last-second Hail Mary that was caught by Keith Nichol for a touchdown. The win was one of the highlights of Cousins’ college career and remains one of the most famous plays in Big Ten history.
Wilson, despite the loss, had an outstanding season with the Badgers, leading them to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl appearance. His success in college set the stage for his future in the NFL, where he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
NFL Rivalry: Seahawks vs. Vikings
Wilson and Cousins would meet again in the NFL, where their matchups have often been highly anticipated. Wilson, with the Seahawks, quickly established himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, leading Seattle to a Super Bowl victory in just his second season. Cousins, after several years with the Washington Redskins, joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 as their starting quarterback.
In the NFL, Wilson has generally had the upper hand in head-to-head matchups against Cousins. One of the most memorable encounters came in 2019 when the Seahawks faced the Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” Wilson led Seattle to a 37-30 victory, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns, while Cousins passed for 276 yards and two touchdowns but couldn’t secure the win.
Their rivalry continued in the 2020 season when the Seahawks and Vikings met again, this time in another prime-time showdown. Wilson orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final minutes, capping it off with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, giving Seattle a 27-26 victory. Cousins, despite a strong performance, was once again outdueled by Wilson in a close game.
Legacy and Impact
While both quarterbacks have had impressive careers, Wilson’s success in terms of wins, playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl ring gives him the edge in this rivalry. Cousins, known for his consistency and accuracy, has also been a top performer but has often found himself on the losing end when facing Wilson.
As they continue their NFL careers, the rivalry between Wilson and Cousins remains one of the more intriguing quarterback matchups in the league. Whether it’s in the regular season or the playoffs, whenever these two meet, it’s a reminder of their shared history and the competitive spirit that has defined their careers from the Big Ten to the NFL.