Kirk Cousins is a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, but his deepest mark may be off the field. He’s become a model of faithful stewardship— seeking to honor Christ with his finances and using his platform for Kingdom work. In this conversation with Rob West, he shares how his upbringing, his marriage, and his walk with God shape the way he views money, generosity, and legacy. He reflects on defining “enough,” giving in unity with his wife, and investing in the next generation.

[Q] You’ve said that generosity was modeled early in your life. What did that look like? My dad handled the numbers, but my mom had the gift of hospitality.

When I headed out with friends, she’d ask if I needed money. I’d say, “No, I have five or ten dollars.” Then she’d still press two twenties into my hand. Our home “held it loosely.” We kept budgets, but my parents were extravagant toward others. That was caught, not just taught.

[Q] As one might expect, your first NFL paycheck was a shock. How did you handle it?

My signing bonus was several hundred thousand dollars— my biggest check before that had maybe three digits. I called my dad and asked:

“What do I do?” He laughed and said, “I don’t know, I’ve never seen a check like that either.” We learned together: tithe, save, live on the rest. Practicing stewardship from day one set the tone.

[Q] Professional athletes face a lot of pressure to spend. How did you manage to stay grounded?

I realized that pro careers have an end point, so saving matters. The harder part is giving when you know income will diminish. That’s where faith comes in. I’ve learned to enjoy those moments— putting the responsibility back on God. It’s His money; He’ll provide.

MONEY IS A TOOL, NOT JUST A SNOWBALL TO KEEP MAKING BIGGER; IT NEEDS A PURPOSE BEYOND SECURITY.

[Q] What’s the heart-level lens you use for money?

In a word, treasure. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. Once you truly see the treasure, financial decisions follow naturally. If you’re only checking boxes— tithing, giving, saving— it becomes religion. So it’s vital to first discover Jesus as the treasure; then generosity naturally makes sense.

[Q] How do you and your wife, Julie, navigate enjoyment versus excess?

It’s a tension we keep bringing to the Lord. God gives good things to enjoy— but where does enjoyment become indulgence? There’s no formula. We pray, ask for wisdom, and keep redefining “enough.” Money is a tool, not just a snowball to keep making bigger; it needs a purpose beyond security.

[Q] What shaped your approach to giving as a couple?

A mentor told me, “Always give in unity with your wife.” That stuck. If Julie isn’t comfortable, I need to listen—often her hesitation is the Holy Spirit speaking. Especially with larger gifts, we won’t move until we’re in full agreement. Unity is a guardrail for us.

[Q] How are you thinking about legacy and the kids?

We set up a family office and estate plan. Our boys are young, so we’re watching how they develop. Our prayer is that one day the wisest place to entrust resources is into their hands. We also plan for our foundation to support Kingdom work. We want to make sure we pass on wisdom before wealth.

[Q] What giving focus excites you right now?

Right now we’re involved in Christian education, especially the Holland Christian school system in Michigan. I attended there from seventh to twelfth grade, and it profoundly shaped me. So we want to resource teachers, help schools stay affordable, and invest in the next generation.

Listen to the full Faith & Finance with Rob West episode with Kirk Cousins here.

This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.