I’ve owned a lot of NFL jerseys, and most of them were emotional purchases. My Kirk Cousins jersey is one of the few I still reach for, even though his career has bounced from Washington to Minnesota to Atlanta. The first one I bought was a purple Vikings No. 8 Limited, size medium. It fit more like a relaxed large, which turned out to be perfect for layering over a hoodie in December.
Why a Kirk Cousins Jersey Still Makes Sense for Vikings and Falcons Fans was the question I asked myself after noticing how many people still wear his old Vikings and Washington jerseys at games. The answer isn’t complicated. Cousins gave fans real moments—the “You like that!” comeback in 2015, multiple 4,000-yard seasons in Minnesota, and a short but memorable Falcons stint in 2024. A jersey is a souvenir of those Sundays, not a Hall of Fame vote.
If you’re buying one now, the biggest decision is which version. Washington fans should look for the burgundy and gold No. 8, the number he wore after being drafted in 2012. Vikings fans have the classic purple No. 8, plus white and throwback options. Falcons fans will want the No. 18 he wore in Atlanta, usually in black or red. The team and era matter more than anything else because the same player can look completely different across three uniforms.
Then there’s the jersey tier, which trips people up. NFL Nike jerseys generally come in three main levels:
- Game: printed numbers and names, lighter, cheaper, and fine for casual wear.
- Limited: stitched numbers, names, and patches, with a slightly heavier feel. This is my sweet spot.
- Elite: the closest to what players wear, with stretch panels and a tighter cut. Great if you want authenticity, less great if you hate snug shoulders.
Sizing is where I’d slow down. Nike NFL jerseys run roomy, especially in the body. If you want a fitted look, size down. If you plan to wear a hoodie underneath, stay true to size or go up one. My medium Limited was comfortable over a T-shirt but snug at the collar. I’m 5’10”, about 175 pounds, and I’d buy a medium again for a Cousins jersey because the length hits right below the hip.
Care matters more than people think. Wash it inside out in cold water, skip fabric softener, and hang it dry. Heat is the enemy—it can crack printed numbers and shrink the polyester. If you bought a stitched Limited, don’t iron the twill. A steamer works better. I learned that the hard way with a white Vikings jersey that came out of the dryer with wrinkled numbers.
As a gift, a Kirk Cousins jersey is tricky but not impossible. If the person already has a Vikings No. 8, maybe go Washington burgundy for nostalgia or Falcons No. 18 for a newer fan. Ask about their usual T-shirt size, then check the team’s color rush or alternate if you want something less common. And keep the receipt. Jersey sizing can be personal.
When it comes down to it, a Cousins jersey isn’t about proving he’s the greatest quarterback ever. It’s about the games you watched, the friends you texted during them, and the weird loyalty sports create. Wear it to a tailgate, to a sports bar, or just on the couch. That’s the whole point.
