Kirk Cousins helps Raiders rediscover joy after ending losing streak

Kirk Cousins gave the Las Vegas Raiders plenty to celebrate Sunday, contributing four total touchdowns in a 38-33 comeback victory at the New York Jets. The win ended a four-game skid and moved Las Vegas to 4-4, marking the first time since 2021 that the Raiders had reached the eight-game point with a record of .500 or better.

The celebration continued on the flight home, where Cousins removed his shirt and put on jewelry supplied by teammates, reviving his “Kirko Chainz” persona eight weeks into his Raiders tenure. Cornerback Eric Stokes contributed something for his wrist, while defensive tackle Adam Butler supplied a large Millennium Ring necklace inspired by the Japanese anime series “Yu-Gi-Oh.” Defensive end Maxx Crosby added several watches and chains.

Cousins first became known for the routine in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings. After he helped Minnesota rally past the Washington Commanders to reach 7-1, a video spread online showing him wearing teammates' jewelry and moving to Florida rapper Real Boston Richey's “Bullseye 2.” Raiders running back Dylan Laube, then playing for the New Hampshire Wildcats, remembered enjoying the scene from afar. Seeing it firsthand this time struck him as funny.

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins had signaled his excitement about the flight in the locker room after Sunday's game. Kubiak welcomed the celebration, emphasizing how difficult winning is in the league. Crosby also praised the quarterback's personality, describing him as one of the funniest people teammates could meet and someone with unmistakable dad energy.

Cousins had already drawn laughs with a touchdown celebration during the third quarter against New York. After scoring on a quarterback sneak, he performed a “wellness” dance that he initially described as a tribute to the training staff. On Wednesday, he credited Laube with inventing it, explaining that he had borrowed the idea and given it a bigger audience.

The victory also restored another Cousins tradition: trips to In-N-Out Burger after wins. He had gradually expanded the invitations before the losing streak interrupted the outings for a month. Having promised another visit if Las Vegas won, Cousins paid for a Sunday night meal near the team's training facility with No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, left tackle Kolton Miller, tight end Brock Bowers, Laube and others.

That emphasis on enjoyment extended beyond celebrations. Before the Jets game, Kubiak asked Cousins to address the team about playing with joy. The quarterback urged teammates to resist letting the league's constant comparisons diminish their love of football. Laube said the 38-year-old demonstrates that enthusiasm daily: “He's still bringing that same energy as if he was a kid.”