An apology to the New York Jets on behalf of Minnesota

Back in March, the Minnesota Vikings caused a great deal of hurt to a few members of the New York media by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins.

In life, something you learn is that when you’re laser focused on achieving a goal, there may come a time where not everyone is thrilled with your hard work and dedication applied toward said goal.

What’s even more interesting is that you may not realize, until much later, the pain and angst you may have brought unto others simply by (as the cool kids say) “doing you”.

This past offseason, Kirk Cousins was arguably the most coveted free-agent, most notably by the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Minnesota Vikings.

How could he not be though? It’s incredibly rare to find a franchise quarterback in his prime as an unrestricted free-agent.

Ultimately, Cousins chose the Vikings for a number of reasons including, “having the chance to win,” and that was the end of that.

That is until it was revealed that after moving from Ashburn, Virginia, Cousins has been residing in the heads of a few members of the New York media, rent free, that is except for parking of course.

Cousins raving about Minnesota’s leadership evidently equated to “a slap” to the Jets’ organization. There was also the anticipation of getting back at the veteran quarterback for daring to exercise his freedom of choice during free agency as the New York Post’s Brian Costello conveyed all the way back in March.

"“Cousins will be in our area this fall when the Vikings face the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Maybe the night before Cousins can tour the area and see what he missed out on. Then Jets fans can roll out the welcome mat the next day the way only they can.It won’t be ‘Minnesota Nice.'”"

On Sunday, the so-called revenge game for the Jets exhibited nothing but “Minnesota Nice”.

New York was incredibly generous in giving the ball away four times. One must also not forget about the extra “nice” the Jets sprinkled on top by having multiple players drop wide open passes.

Why are we so up in arms about Cousins using New York as leverage in negotiations with the team he preferred to sign with? Lest we not forget that teams around the NFL use players without thinking twice all the time.

A player can be signed today and cut tomorrow in this league. What’s wrong with a guy maximizing one of the rare opportunities he has in his professional career to control his path?

While we’re at it, where is the outrage over the Jets cutting Terrelle Pryor after he suffered a groin injury?

Included in his article back in March, Costello also made sure to take a few jabs at the state of Minnesota.

"“Choosing Minnesota over the greatest city in the world? Choosing a place where fine cuisine is a Juicy Lucy (don’t ask) and high-end shopping is going to Target?”"

Have you ever had a Juicy Lucy burger? They’re amazing! Why are we concerned about shopping experiences in choosing where to sign in sports?

The NBA’s Paul George voluntarily chose to sign a long term deal in Oklahoma City over Los Angeles. Is he a villain too?

But seeing how Cousins and the Vikings have been locked in on their current Super Bowl goals for the year, on behalf of Minnesota, please accept this apology New York media in us not realizing the hurt Cousins has brought you.

We’re sorry that Cousins chose less money and glamour for the ultimate goal of winning. We’re sorry that not everybody wins in free agency.

We’re sorry that you haven’t moved on despite acquiring what could turn out to be a star player as your franchise quarterback in the most recent NFL Draft.

Lastly, we’re sorry that we’re just realizing your pain now. We’ve been quite busy over here watching Cousins turn the Vikings into one of the league’s best passing offenses.