NFL star Kirk Cousins praises Andy Murray’s ‘grit’

ATP Tour
Andy Murray delighted

Andy Murray’s determination and hard work on the court are qualities that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins admires.

Murray is back in the United States playing in the Hall of Fame Open in Newport and brushed shoulders with Cousins.

Cousins is a big fan of tennis and was treated to a brief meeting with Murray.

In a short conference caught by cameras, Cousins told Murray: “I admire your grit.”

Cousins later explained what he meant in a chat with ATPTour.com.

“That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of him: his grit, toughness, the ability to come back from injury. Tennis is already mentally [difficult] as a singles player. You’re on your own. Matches can get long, you need to dig deep. It can be mentally and emotionally heartbreaking.

“The way he’s handled not only his career, but individual matches, it is inspiring to watch and kind of helps me with what I’m doing.”

Cousins also revealed that playing tennis during the offseason has helped his game in the NFL.

The Vikings QB said that his interest in tennis stemmed from a connection between throwing a football and serving.

“I love the sport. I was looking for a way to train in the offseason and not just do boring training, but do something fun. Thought about pickup basketball, but was concerned about the risk of injury, so ended up doing tennis and just fell in love with it,” Cousins said.

“Didn’t realise just how much it would carry over to playing quarterback. Can’t get enough of it. That’s why I’m here in Newport today.

“As I got older and really got away from tennis to focus on football, that was when Federer, Nadal and Djokovic made their rise,” Cousins said.

“Now as I’m getting into it, those guys are getting a little older and so it’s been fun to see some of the younger names start to make a run.”

Two Brits among the four players Andy Murray says he would like to coach

Cousins says that the big four are a study in staying in the best shape to perform at the highest level.

“I think the longevity, the body work. Tennis is a grind on their bodies physically. The travel and just watching how they take care of themselves, I think there’s something there with trying to play as long as you can,” Cousins said. “I think they’re setting a good example with the work they’re putting in to take care of their bodies.”

Andy Murray

Latest