Kirk Cousins is back with the Minnesota Vikings, and expectations are high as he's seen as the missing piece to a playoff contender with the NFL's most fearsome defense. Vikings rookie Jakobe Thomas recognizes how important the Cousins trade was to his team's chances this season, so he made a classy decision upon the veteran quarterback's return.
Cousins has worn No. 8 for the vast majority of his career, though Thomas already had No. 8 in Minnesota. So, Thomas decided to give Cousins the jersey number, without hesitation. Thomas will now wear No. 6.
#Vikings rookie safety Jakobe Thomas says it was an easy call giving up No. 8 to Kirk Cousins. Thomas is now No. 6. pic.twitter.com/p3TJYKopwx
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) November 13, 2026
"A lot of fans have his jersey already, so they can pull
it out of the closet and put it back on," Thomas said. "Kirko's got a lot more memories and history in that jersey than I do, so it's rightfully his, so I gave it back to its rightful owner for right now."
Thomas didn't ask for anything in return. Well, he did ask for one thing, and it's something Vikings fans are all wishing for.
"No money needed," Thomas said. "I just needed to come and help us win games."
Cousins is expected to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, so his first opportunity to deliver on Thomas' request comes less than a week after his return.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Vikings rookie shares classy reason for giving Kirk Cousins No. 8 back
