Kirk Cousins begins his 15th NFL season as the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. At 38, he is the oldest player on a roster with an average age of 26, serving as both a bridge starter and mentor to a young core that includes No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. "I always felt like I was one year at a time, one day at a time," Cousins said, reflecting on his journey from a 2012 backup behind Robert Griffin III in Washington to a six-year starter in Minnesota and now his third team in four seasons.

The generational gap provides levity: Cousins referenced the 1995 film "Heavyweights" to blank stares, while second-year guard Caleb Rogers asked if he'd seen 1984's "Red Dawn" because it was "from your era." "I wasn't born until '88," Cousins replied. Maxx Crosby, 29, praised Cousins' energy and willingness to be "one of the guys."

Cousins' familiarity with new coach Klint Kubiak's scheme is critical for the rebuild. After Atlanta released him in March following a torn Achilles in 2023 and the drafting of Michael Penix Jr., Cousins wondered if his career had ended. Now, he aims to elevate those around him: "When you step in the huddle, 10 guys play better."