Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Challenges Christians With Powerful Message: Are You a Fan or a Follower of Jesus?

Listen or Read Below:

Audio By Carbonatix

Minnesota Vikings quarterback and outspoken Christian Kirk Cousins has enjoyed a 15-year NFL career, living the dream of many. However, for Cousins, his relationship and daily walk with Christ are clearly more important than any of his accomplishments on the football field. 

In recent news, Cousins stepped away from the huddle to explain the difference between being a fan of Jesus and what it really takes to be a follower and disciple of Christ.

In a video shared by Christhlete, the athlete said that while following Jesus comes at a cost, it’s one he’d gladly bear again and again, explaining the difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus. Those two, as Cousins perfectly articulates, aren’t similar, with one requiring a much higher level of commitment and dedication.

“There’s a difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. And that to disciple a follower is to be fully devoted, and to be fully devoted means that you’re putting in work, that you’re wanting to grow, that you’re making sacrifices, and that when culture goes one way, and Jesus goes the other, you’ve got to go with Jesus, even if that costs you something.”

At a young age, Cousins wrestled with one question: “Are you prepared to follow Jesus even when it costs you something?”

“When all your friends in high school or college on a Friday night are going to go do one thing, and you know that to follow Jesus means you got to go another way, are you going to do that, or are you just going to go with your friends?” Cousins continued.

Today, at just 38 years old, Cousins explains that while he made that decision at 16 or 17, it still rings just as true.

“And I made that decision at 16, 17 years old, when I said, you know what, I think I’m going to follow Jesus even when it costs me something, and that’s when you truly are giving Him your life because you’re really now sacrificing something to follow Jesus.”

As his NFL career continues, now in his 15th season, Cousins believes that his mission remains the same: “Wherever you end up playing, you are sent by God, and He has a purpose for you being there.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/David Berding/Stringer

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Originally published November 13, 2026.