Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins wows the crowd with speech at Big Ten luncheon (video)
Published: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 12:19 PM Updated: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 12:21 PM
Kirk CousinsCHICAGO – Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins received a nearly one-minute standing ovation for his speech at the annual Big Ten luncheon, and during the ovation coach Mark Dantonio can be seen mouthing the word “special” to new Minnesota coach Jerry Kill.
Cousins, a senior from Holland, was asked by the Big Ten to speak on behalf of all the players Friday. He gave a polished well-written speech of just a little over seven minutes on the subject of the privilege of being a college football player in the Big Ten, and the greater responsibilities he believes comes with it.
Dantonio said before the speech that his quarterback had the makings of a senator, a leader.
“He is a giver, a special person not just a senior quarterback,” he said. “He takes it upon himself to engage his teammates and help them in their lives, not just their football. That's a true leader.”
Cousins said he bases his leadership on the example set by Jesus Christ.
“He was the greatest leader, and he was the ultimate servant leader,” he said. “That's leadership to me. You have to serve people and help them, and then they will believe in you and follow you.”
Very few are talking about this senior QB. The rest of the nation expects the Irish to win a home game against State. Spartan Nation does not. An upset at another road game against the perennial Big Ten Champion who must be battered mentally at this point and the nation will begin to talk about this young man. If the defense holds the 4th quarter lead against the chUMps and we win either the Iowa or Nebraska road game, the rest of the college football elite will wish this QB were offered a scholarship by their school.
ReplyDeleteIt just goes to show that Dantonio does not build his teams with the highest rated recruits. He builds them with integrity.