QB Kirk Cousins and the Number 8

Dear Customers and Friends,

I recently heard Kirk Cousins, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, share an interesting story about the significance of the number 8 in his life. It’s a story that particularly inspires me going into a brand-new year in 2025.

Kirk was speaking at a private event, a men’s prayer breakfast, about his faith and trust in God throughout his long and successful football career. He explained that he was a PK (pastor’s kid) whose father had been a strong Christian influence all the way back to Kirk’s early playing days at a small-town Michigan high school.

In 2007, he joined the Michigan State Spartans football team where he went on to become the school’s all-time record holder as a quarterback. During his four seasons at Michigan State, he never lost a game to the team’s biggest rival, the Michigan Wolverines.

Kirk capped off his college playing days (as much as it pains me to tell you this) by defeating my beloved Georgia Bulldogs in triple overtime at the 2012 Outback Bowl.

At Michigan State, Kirk’s No. 8 jersey was super-popular fan gear. The number had become part of his identity, though it was still just a number, right? Actually no. The number would continue to have even deeper meaning for him – for reasons you wouldn’t expect – as Kirk stepped up to the next level in his career.

Kirk said professional football had always been his dream, so he naturally was very nervous awaiting his fate in the 2012 NFL draft. His pastor father, Don Cousins, reminded Kirk to cast away all worries and simply trust in God. He made his point with an oft-told Old Testament story about the faith of the prophet Samuel, who had put all his trust in God. That trust was greatly tested when God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new ruler of Israel.

Risking his life and reputation (King Saul already ruled the land), Samuel visited a farmer named Jesse to find the next king from among the man’s many sons. There were several strong and capable men among the brothers, but God had chosen David – even though he was the least likely candidate based on outward appearances. God was more interested in David’s inward character and humility.

In the 2012 draft, there were many outstanding quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. Kirk was drafted behind all of them. In fact, he wasn’t selected until the fourth round with the 102nd pick, which went to the Washington Redskins (now known as the Commanders).

Kirk was a bit dejected until his father reminded him of something quite remarkable. Kirk was the eighth quarterback selected in that year’s draft. And so too had the lowly shepherd boy David been the last of the eight brothers presented to Samuel and selected by God. Once overlooked, David rose to become Israel’s greatest king.

Wearing No. 8, Kirk Cousins went on to defeat many Goliaths on his way to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL while playing with Washington, the Minnesota Vikings, and now the Atlanta Falcons. (Kirk wears number 18 for the Falcons because number 8 was already taken, but he jokes that at least his new number still has an 8 in it!)

As all of us begin a new season in 2025, we are understandably fearful and wary of the many changes that a new year may bring. But let’s adopt the same spirit and trust in God that Kirk Cousins brings to the football field every game, every day, and every football season.

Next to my Georgia Bulldogs, I’ve never been much of a professional football fan. But after hearing Kirk Cousins and his message of faith, I’m hooked. Let’s go Falcons, and I’ll be pulling for you, too, in 2025!

Blessed to be a Blessing,

Greg Syfan
President, Syfan Logistics

PS – Since this Faith Over Fear message was written, the Falcons benched Kirk Cousins after a four-game string of poor play. Minutes before his first game as back-up quarterback, Cousins was seen praying with his replacement, Michael Penix Jr., and providing encouragement. That day, Penix and the Falcons overwhelmingly defeated their opponent, the New York Giants.