Josh McCown Questions Unvaccinated Kirk Cousins' Ability To Lead

With NFL training camps coming to a close, retired quarterback Josh McCown has concerns about Minnesota's top signal caller, Kirk Cousins. McCown isn't concerned with Cousins' ability to throw an end zone fade or an out route. He's worried that Cousins' decision not to be vaccinated will hamper his ability to lead.

Speaking with Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, McCown, who's vaccinated, questioned whether Cousins really is "all in" for his team:

“Obviously, we have a personal choice, and that’s a freedom that (Cousins) has. But I think in the realm of a team and understanding everything we do about the science and the safety of it, I would just say it would be hard week in and week out for a quarterback to say, ‘Hey, I’m all for my team, but I’m not going to do this except for this.’’’

Since he was placed on the NFL's COVID-19 list in early August, Cousins, who is unvaccinated, has been forced by the league to undergo daily testing and wear a mask.

McCown, who shares an agent with Cousins, views the unvaccinated protocols Cousins must follow as a hinderance to his ability to guide the Vikings:

“Obviously, he has a firm belief in his systems of beliefs that are leading him to say, ‘I don’t want to vaccinate,’ and that’s his business. But given the effect and the impact that it can have on a team, we don’t share the same beliefs on that aspect. And I just think you want to lead the way and do everything that allows you to be effective for your team, and so if you don’t (become vaccinated), I guess you have to throw the mask on and be vigilant about that. But even then, I think that takes away from some of your ability to lead.’’

Cousins' ability to lead shouldn't be in question. He has already proven that he won't back down to anyone, not even the NFL.