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

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.

What next for Nick Kyrgios

John McEnroe movie - A review of the new film

Iga Swiatek's time has come

The moment Andy Murray won Wimbledon

Laura on Play Your Way To Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu will come good

Who is the tennis GOAT?

Will Roger Federer return? - Justine Henin verdict

Is Nick Kyrgios good for tennis?

Ashleigh Barty's retirement a blow for tennis

Does Novak get the credit he deserves

“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