EAGAN, Minn. - After all the speculation and hype that followed free agent QB Kirk Cousins to Minnesota, the moment of truth was actually a bit anti-climatic.
It came in a Twitter post with a social video and the proclamation, "@KirkCousins8 is officially a Viking!"
The message was posted just before 2:15 p.m. following a whirlwind 20 hours, during which Cousins, his wife and 5-month-old son were flown into the Twin Cities on a private jet, wined and dined at a fancy restaurant, and taken on a tour of the team's brand new headquarters and training center.
Cousins will wear No. 8 for the Vikings, after signing his contract, which is said to be a three-year deal worth $84 million, fully guaranteed.
Cousins addressed the media at a news conference Thursday afternoon, saying simply, "Now the work begins."
"I came here because of the chance to win," Cousins said. "I thought it was the best chance. I believe in the leadership of this organization."
Cousins admitted he's always felt like an underdog, which only fuels his passion.
"I have always felt a little bit underrated, a little bit overlooked," he said. "As a result, there is a fire there."
Cousins comes to the Vikings after six seasons at the helm of the Washington Redskins offense. He started all games the past three seasons, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in each. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Michigan State.
The free agent quarterback, along with his wife, Julie, and their young child, flew into St. Paul from Atlanta Wednesday evening. They touched down around 6 p.m.
They then had dinner with coach Mike Zimmer, GM Rick Spielman, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph and many others at The Capital Grille.
"Had a great visit, looking forward to tomorrow," Cousins said. "Going to see more of the city and the facilities. It's a great organization, and my wife and I are thrilled to be here.
Cousins would become Minnesota's sixth opening-day starting quarterback in seven years. Sam Bradford (Arizona), Case Keenum (Denver) and Teddy Bridgewater (NY Jets) were all quarterbacks on the Vikings roster last season during the run to the NFC Championship. All are now with different teams.