How Kirk Cousins became so likeable and relatable on Netflix 'Quarterback' series

The Netflix series "Quarterback" – highlighting NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota during the 2022 season – became the No. 1 show on Netflix on Friday, less than three days after its premiere.

The documentary brings viewers behind the curtain into life as an NFL starting quarterback, and can even inspire viewers to become new fans of the players featured.

Viewers have been drawn to Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings starter, for his candor and charisma shown through his dedication to his family and his profession.

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Spoiler alert: This article does contain some spoilers from the Netflix series.

Kirk Cousins was a perfect fit for Netflix series

Cousins is a polarizing quarterback for several reasons. He’s not a superstar like Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. Some might consider him a middle-of-the-road quarterback, while above average might be a better assessment.

Cousins was 59-59 as an NFL starter, before helping the Vikings to a 13-4 record last season. And his career earnings have not helped him avoid criticism.

In a sport where fully guaranteed contracts are far from typical, Cousins has found his way into signing three full guaranteed contracts during his NFL career.

Cousins will play on a $35 million extension in 2023, after signing a two-year, $66 million contract in 2020, and a three-year, $84 million deal in 2018.

For those reasons, some football fans might have some misdirected animosity or gripes against Cousins as a football player.

What have we learned about Kirk Cousins on 'Quarterback'?

Cousins is fiery, intense, passionate, and insanely focused about playing quarterback in the NFL. During Episode 3, the documentary shows Cousins enduring a ribs injury during the heart of the Vikings’ season.

Cousins took a wicked hit that knocked the wind out of him against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 6, which affected how he played during one of the best NFL games last season: Minnesota’s Week 9 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Cousins met frequently with Dr. Brownell Mack, the Vikings' team psychologist, to debrief and collect his thoughts between games during Minnesota’s season.

"I would say there’s some level of belief that we can come back and make the play that’s needed to be made," Cousins said. "That trust mindset is important. I don’t know if I’ve always had that."

Viewers could also see Cousins’ disappointment after the Vikings’ playoff loss to the New York Giants on Jan. 15, which ended their season.

"It’s the cruel reality of this business," Cousins said. "It hurt to walk off our field in front of our fans after the season we had and not win that game."

Kirk Cousins becomes relatable to football fans

It may be easier for viewers to relate to Cousins as a person, more than a football player.

For one, Cousins routinely wears the modest clothes his wife, Julie, lays out for him.

After the playoff loss, Cousins greeted his sons in the bathroom as one of them took a bath before bed. He reads a book to one of them, then put him to sleep with a song and a prayer.

During the Vikings’ thrilling 39-36 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where Minnesota completed the largest comeback in NFL history after being down 33-0 at halftime, Cousins wanted his son Cooper to join him in the locker room after the game. Cooper was more excited about eating strawberries and a cookie at his dad’s locker.

Cousins also shared his Tuesday routine during the NFL season, in which he takes his sons to preschool, spends quality time with his wife, and even does some shopping for new books at Barnes & Noble.

Cousins also takes some time to read and respond to letters from fans during the off day, an endearing moment during the series.

"You know people who cheer us on, pray for us, are asking for something, I think it’s worth it to brighten their day with an autograph or a note back," Cousins said.

Cousins wrote to one fan: "Don’t hold it against your teacher she’s a Packers fan. We all have our faults."

Do you like Kirk Cousins more after Netflix documentary?

Viewers got to see Cousins in a new light – where he’s likeable, relatable and vulnerable – without his helmet outside of the barbaric entertainment he provides as a football player on game days.

Seeing Cousins in this way could influence viewers to become fans, make casual NFL fans root for him more, or even help diehard fans ease up on their criticisms of him when the next football season begins.

Netflix’s goal may not have been to squarely make viewers appreciate Cousins more, but the series certainly does have that effect for him.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Kirk Cousins became so likeable on Netflix 'Quarterback' series