Julie Cousins recently introduced two new kittens into her family during a period of uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins’ future with the Atlanta Falcons. The couple, known for their committed lifestyle and community involvement, continue to navigate the challenges of Kirk’s evolving role while embracing their love for rescue animals at home.
A Glimpse into the Cousins Family Lifestyle and New Additions
Julie and Kirk Cousins’ journey extends far beyond football, encompassing homeschooling their children in Georgia, running a charitable foundation, and even acquiring a golf course in Michigan. The couple’s dedication to rescuing and fostering animals is well documented—they have cared for as many as seven dogs in just 18 months before adopting some, including their Labradoodle Abe and a dog named Bentley. This reflects a family deeply rooted in purposeful living and community care.
Following Kirk’s four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last year, Julie moved to Atlanta with their children Cooper, 8, and Turner, 6. Despite the large adjustment, the transition has brought more positives than negatives to their household. Recently, Julie shared on Instagram stories about fostering two kittens for the summer—one ginger and one white with brown and black patches—delighting followers with videos of their playful antics.
Through these actions, Julie appears to be managing the personal intensity that comes from the unpredictability of Kirk’s professional situation. Their home environment, filled with love and care for family and animals alike, underscores their values amid the external pressures surrounding Kirk’s career.
Kirk Cousins’ Position with the Falcons: Backup Role and Trade Speculations
The 2025 NFL offseason has been particularly unpredictable for Kirk Cousins. Despite his substantial contract, the Falcons have opted to make Michael Penix Jr. their starting quarterback under the leadership of coach Raheem Morris. This decision came after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers, removing a potential landing spot for Cousins and limiting available teams for a trade.
Veteran NFL analyst Tom Pelissero, speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, highlighted that Kirk Cousins might remain with the Falcons, primarily in a backup capacity. Pelissero noted the financial security provided by Cousins’ current contract and his family ties to Atlanta as significant reasons for this possibility:
“the caution that I would lend to that is the deeper into it that we get, the further into training camp and the preseason, the more that Kirk Cousins, a guy who is due this money, regardless of whether he’s playing or not, and has family in Atlanta and is raising his kids in Atlanta, might be pretty reluctant to go.” —Tom Pelissero, NFL Analyst
Pelissero further emphasized that Cousins’ playing time might depend on injuries to the starting quarterback. He offered insight into how Kirk’s future game involvement could unfold:
“We’ll be talking about Kirk Cousins a lot once injuries inevitably hit that position. But we really now are into territory with Aaron Rodgers agreeing with the Steelers where Kirk Cousins might be the Falcons backup unless and until an opportunity arises through injury or otherwise for him to actually step in the lineup and play football for the Falcons again.” —Tom Pelissero, NFL Analyst
This suggests that Cousins is prioritizing stability for his family along with the financial certainty that his current contract offers, despite the potentially limited playing prospects.
Balancing Career Choices and Family Priorities in Turbulent Times
Kirk Cousins’ decision to stay with the Falcons appears to be a reflection of his desire for a stable environment amid NFL uncertainties. While some might question whether this path risks his career longevity, the choice also speaks to his commitment to family and personal wellbeing.
His wife Julie’s efforts to maintain a nurturing household, including fostering rescue kittens, highlight the family’s emphasis on love and care beyond the football field. This approach may provide an essential balance during a tumultuous period marked by rumors and roster shifts.
Ultimately, the unfolding developments this season will reveal how Kirk Cousins’ role with the Atlanta Falcons evolves and what impact it will have on both his professional trajectory and family life in the city they now call home.