Kirk Cousins let down the Vikings and Mike Zimmer

Kirk Cousins knew he was at risk of missing a critical game late in the year due to his vaccination status. He remained stubborn anyway.

Cousins’ decision not to get vaccinated would be fine, had he not contracted the virus right before a must-win game on Sunday Night Football.

Vikings fans and NFL pundits alike were taking a “wait and see” approach as to not if, but when Cousins would contract the virus due to his vaccination status. While being vaccinated against COVID-19 doesn’t guarantee you won’t contract the virus, it offers a much more comprehensive layer of defense against such an untimely illness.

“We could put this thing to bed if we’d all do this, but it is what it is,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said…in August.

Vikings: Kirk Cousins let down Mike Zimmer and fans

We don’t know exactly how Cousins contracted the virus, but his risk went up significantly around the holidays, when gatherings are traditional.

Cousins has access to the best medical care in the country. Yet, in similar fashion to Aaron Rodgers, he’s opted against the vaccine. Given the NFL’s COVID-19 policy, there’s no way Cousins could return in time for Sunday night’s game in part because he’s not vaccinated.

Were he vaccinated, his status would still be up in the air, which makes his choice even more questionable. Say what you want about Rodgers, at least he’s been vocal on the subject. We know where he stands, even if it’s flawed logic. Cousins didn’t want to comment much on the personal matter.

“I want to respect what other people’s concerns are. For me personally, just talking no one else can get the virus, what is your concern if you could get it, I would say I’m gonna go about my daily life. If I get it, I’m gonna ride it out. I’m gonna let nature do its course. Survival-of-the-fittest kind of approach. And just say, if it knocks me out, it knocks me out. I’m going to be OK. You know, even if I die. If I die, I die. I kind of have peace about that,” Cousins said.

If he dies, he dies? But what if he contracts and spreads the virus elsewhere? Or, in this case, what if it impacts his professional unnecessarily?

With Zimmer’s job on the line — and potentially the jobs of his assistants — Cousins’ own personal matters got in the way.