The Minnesota Vikings are having a remarkable season, and it’s one that few predicted when Kirk Cousins departed for Atlanta and rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy suffered an offseason injury.

Despite the setbacks, Sam Darnold has emerged as one of the league’s top quarterbacks this season, leading a team stacked with playmakers on both sides of the ball.

On Sunday, Cousins made his first return to Minnesota since leaving, and while the Vikings came away with the win, it was a heartwarming moment that stole the show.

During the postgame handshake, Cousins shared a special exchange with Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The two developed a dynamic connection since Jefferson entered the league in 2020, and their bond was evident as they shared a brief but meaningful moment following the game.

“Thank you for what you meant to me, man” Cousins said, while Jefferson responded, “Always, same, same, much love.”

Kirk Cousins found a home in Minnesota, where he transformed into one of the NFL’s most reliable quarterbacks, earning himself a long-term contract with the Atlanta Falcons this past offseason.

His success in Minnesota was largely fueled by his chemistry with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, whose consistent dominance played a key role in Cousins’ production year after year.

However, in Cousins’ first season with the Falcons, things haven’t gone as smoothly. Despite a strong start to the year, Atlanta has hit a rough patch and now sits at 6-7, second place in the NFC South. The Falcons have dropped four straight games after starting the season 6-3, and their playoff hopes are beginning to dwindle with each loss.

Meanwhile, Jefferson continues to shine in Minnesota, further cementing his status as one of the league’s best receivers and the Vikings are having their best season in a long time as they are currently 11-2 overall.