MN Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Discusses COVID Vaccine, NFL Protocols

EAGAN, MN — Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins told media Thursday that his decision to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a "personal" and "private" medical decision.

Cousins had to miss four spring training practices after one of the backup quarterbacks, rookie Kellen Mond, tested positive for COVID-19.

Cousins did not test positive for the virus. However, under NFL COVID-19 rules, unvaccinated players can still be sidelined if they spent time around another player who later tests positive.

Vaccinated NFL players only have to miss games or practices if they themselves test positive.

Cousins said their QB room wasn't big enough under NFL's COVID-19 guidelines. From now on, the quarterbacks will be meeting in large enough rooms so that if one of them tests positive in the future, the others won't be deemed a close contact by the NFL.

"We've moved meeting rooms, so it shouldn't happen again as far as the reason I was not at practice," Cousins added. "We’re going to avoid this close contact thing, and I look forward to making sure I’m playing for every game this year."

Unlike NFL coaches, Cousins and other players are not required by the NFL to get vaccinated. Cousins said that continuing to test negative and following NFL guidelines on social distancing and masking are what's most important.

"The protocols work. Masks work. Social distancing works. The 2020 season proved that."

"I’m at peace with where I’m at, and I’ll follow the protocols vigilantly," Cousins said.

Watch Cousins' entire news conference here.