HOLLAND — Kirk Cousins brought his youth football camp back to Holland Christian Schools in June, returning after several years away to work with local students and reflect on the lessons that shaped his career.
Cousins, entering his fifteenth season in the NFL and first with the Las Vegas Raiders, spoke June 24 at Holland Christian High School on the opening day of his 2026 Kirk Cousins Football Camp.
“This is a special place for me. I love coming back,” Cousins said.
The camp, which Cousins ran for “seven or eight years” earlier in his career, is returning after a hiatus to give fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders two days of football instruction.
“We’re dusting the cobwebs off and having some fun getting it going again,” Cousins said. “We try to make it the two best days of these kids’ summer.”
The camp focuses on more than football, emphasizing “leadership, faith and integrity.” Campers take part in drills, activities and scrimmages, with Cousins playing a hands-on role.
Hosting the camp at his alma mater gave Cousins a chance to reflect on his path from Holland Christian to the NFL.
“Being back here naturally causes you to go down memory lane and be grateful for teachers you had, coaches you had, teammates you had, and all the situations, good and bad, that led you to where you are,” Cousins said.
“Anybody that comes back on this campus can really appreciate the gift we were given to be able to attend here.”
Cousins said the lessons he learned at Holland Christian — including his work ethic, love of the game and faith — continue to shape him.
“There’s no doubt that the foundation was laid right here on this property,” he said.
While he still hopes to win a championship, Cousins’ focus entering this season is on preparation and daily approach.
“Ultimately, it’s about enjoying another year in the locker room with the guys, trying to play the best football we can possibly play and win as many games as we can,” he said.
“You’ve got to be process focused and say, who do I want to be, and how do I want to conduct myself between now and then to give myself the best chance at those outcomes?”
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Kirk Cousins talks roots, foundation at youth football camp in Holland
Reporting by Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
