The Surprising Truth About Kirk Cousins’ Drinking Habits: 5 Strict Lifestyle Rules He Follows

The question of whether NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins drinks alcohol is a popular search query, and the answer, as of December 17, 2025, is a definitive and nuanced "yes," but with an extreme level of moderation that defines his entire professional lifestyle. The four-time Pro Bowler, known for his meticulous preparation and strong Christian faith, rarely touches alcohol, viewing it as one of the "poisonous habits" he moderates to maintain peak performance and longevity in the league. His approach to drinking is a small but telling part of a larger, highly regimented health and wellness strategy inspired by some of the game's greatest.

Cousins has publicly clarified his stance, stating that he avoids alcohol in almost all situations, with the rare exception of enjoying a drink with his wife, Julie Hampton Cousins, during a dinner outing. This commitment to moderation is directly tied to his intense focus on nutrition, recovery, and a holistic lifestyle designed to extend his career, a journey that has gained even more attention following his recent move to the Atlanta Falcons and recovery from a major injury.

Kirk Cousins: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Kirk Daniel Cousins is one of the most durable and consistent quarterbacks in the National Football League, known for his high completion percentage and strong leadership qualities.

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• Full Name: Kirk Daniel Cousins
• Born: August 19, 1988 (Age 37 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Barrington, Illinois
• College: Michigan State University (MSU)
• NFL Draft: 4th Round, 102nd overall, 2012 by the Washington Redskins
• Current Team (2024–Present): Atlanta Falcons
• Previous Teams: Washington Redskins/Commanders (2012–2017), Minnesota Vikings (2018–2023)
• Wife: Julie Hampton Cousins (m. 2014)
• Children: Two sons, Cooper and Turner
• Key Achievements: 4x Pro Bowl selection (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022), NFL leader in completion percentage (2022).
• Notable Career Event: Signed a fully guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, a groundbreaking moment for NFL player contracts.

The Truth: How Often Kirk Cousins Actually Drinks

The assumption that a professional athlete, especially one with a strong Christian background and a pastor father, is fully abstinent is common, but Cousins has provided a clear and honest answer about his personal habits.

A Lifestyle of Extreme Moderation, Not Abstinence

In a detailed interview discussing his sleep and nutrition regimen, Cousins confirmed his deliberate choice to distance himself from alcohol consumption. He stated, “I don’t really touch alcohol other than when Julie and I are out to dinner and I order a [drink].” This insight reveals a few key takeaways:

• The "Rare" Exception: His drinking is not a regular habit but a celebratory or social exception, exclusively tied to his wife and a dinner setting.
• The "Poisonous Habits" View: Cousins views alcohol as one of the "poisonous habits" that must be kept in moderation for a professional athlete. For him, the focus is on optimizing his body, and alcohol is seen as a counter-productive substance to that goal.
• No Caffeine After Noon: His moderation extends beyond alcohol to other substances. He also avoids caffeine after 12:00 PM and steers clear of sodas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to clean living and recovery.

This strict boundary-setting is a core pillar of his longevity strategy, a mindset he shares with other elite quarterbacks who have extended their careers well into their late 30s and 40s.

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5 Pillars of the Kirk Cousins Longevity Lifestyle

The quarterback's highly disciplined approach to alcohol is just one facet of a broader regimen that has allowed him to remain a top-tier player, even after his major Achilles injury in the 2023 season. His lifestyle is modeled after a desire for sustained excellence, drawing comparisons to NFL legends.

1. The Tom Brady-Inspired Regimented Diet

Cousins has openly followed the lead of other long-tenured quarterbacks, most notably Tom Brady, in adopting a radically strict dietary regimen. This nutritional overhaul is a significant factor in his physical conditioning and recovery.

• Grain-Free Focus: He has cut out all wheat-based foods, rice, and corn.
• Dairy and Egg Elimination: His diet strictly excludes dairy and eggs, common allergens and inflammatory foods.
• Lean Protein Foundation: His meals consist primarily of poultry, lean beef, and fish, focusing on clean, anti-inflammatory sources of protein.
• The Vikings Meeting Detail: His commitment to this diet is so absolute that when meeting with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, the team had to alter their planned food to accommodate his specific needs.

2. Deep Commitment to Christian Faith

Cousins’ strong Christian faith is the foundation of his personal life, which often dictates his lifestyle choices and public persona. His father was a pastor, and Cousins has spoken extensively about his faith, calling himself an "Ambassador for Christ."

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This spiritual discipline translates directly into the physical discipline required for his career. His devotion to his family, including his wife Julie and sons Cooper and Turner, and his church community are central to his identity, providing a grounding force that often replaces the need for typical social pressures, including excessive drinking.

3. Obsession with Quality Sleep

Like many modern elite athletes, Cousins views sleep as the ultimate performance enhancer. He has mentioned his strict adherence to a consistent sleep schedule to maximize physical and mental recovery.

This focus on rest is why he specifically avoids caffeine after noon and practices alcohol moderation, as both substances are known to severely disrupt the deep, restorative stages of sleep necessary for muscle repair and cognitive function.

4. Prolotherapy for Joint and Tendon Health

Cousins has been a long-time proponent of Prolotherapy, an alternative treatment aimed at strengthening connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. He has been receiving this treatment for over 20 years, believing it has been crucial in maintaining his body's structural integrity throughout his demanding career.

This willingness to explore non-traditional, proactive recovery methods highlights his comprehensive, long-term approach to health, where avoiding inflammatory substances like alcohol is a logical extension of his physical care routine.

5. The 2023 Achilles Injury and Rehab Benchmark

The torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 8 of the 2023 season, his final year with the Vikings, became a major test of his entire regimen. His recovery and subsequent signing with the Atlanta Falcons have been closely watched.

His disciplined lifestyle, built on strict diet and recovery, is now being fully leveraged to ensure a complete and successful comeback. Cousins even spoke to fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who also suffered an Achilles injury in 2023, using him as a "benchmark" for his own rehab timeline. This dedication proves that every choice, from the food he eats to the drinks he avoids, is geared toward his return to "full speed" performance.