Kirk Cousins has spent more than a decade in the NFL, but behind the quarterback’s long football career has been a steady family life with his wife, Julie Hampton Cousins.
Kirk and Julie have been married since 2014. Their relationship began a couple of years earlier after they were introduced through a mutual family friend. Since then, they have built a family together, welcomed two sons and taken on business and charitable projects as a couple.
Julie has generally stayed away from the level of attention that follows her husband. Still, she has appeared alongside Kirk at major events, supported him through different stages of his NFL career and helped raise their children while their family moved between states.
Today, Julie is known not only as Kirk Cousins’ wife but also as a mother, philanthropist and business partner.
Who Is Julie Hampton Cousins?
Julie Hampton Cousins was born in Alpharetta, Georgia, in 1989. She is the daughter of Sue and Michael Hampton and grew up with two older brothers, Scott and Steve.
She remained in Georgia for college and attended the University of Georgia in Athens.
Julie later became known publicly because of her relationship with Kirk, but her story did not begin with the NFL. She had her own family background, education and interests before becoming part of the quarterback’s public life.
Her connection to Georgia has also become especially meaningful in recent years, as Kirk’s career eventually brought their family back to the state where Julie grew up.
How Did Kirk Cousins Meet Julie?
Kirk and Julie first met in 2012 through a mutual family friend.
At the time, Kirk was beginning his NFL career, having entered the league with Washington that same year. Their relationship developed away from the spotlight, and it was not long before the two became serious.
Around 18 months after they first met, Kirk decided he was ready to propose.
The proposal took place in a memorable location, although Julie was not initially aware that a marriage proposal was coming.
Kirk Cousins’ Proposal Was a Surprise
In November 2013, Kirk proposed to Julie at the U.S. Capitol.
Kirk was able to arrange the proposal through his friendship with Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga. He brought Julie to the Capitol under the impression that they were going on a tour.
Instead, Kirk had planned a very different surprise.
He later recalled being extremely nervous before asking the question. During the drive toward the Capitol, he was holding Julie’s hand when she noticed that his hands were unusually cold and sweaty.
Kirk reportedly tried to play it off, but the real reason was that he was nervous about proposing.
The surprise worked, and Julie accepted.
When Did Kirk and Julie Get Married?
Kirk Cousins and Julie Hampton were married on June 28, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Their wedding came only a few months after their engagement and marked the beginning of a marriage that has continued through some major changes in Kirk’s professional career.
Kirk has also spoken positively about wearing his wedding band while playing football.
For him, the ring was more than simply a piece of jewelry. He saw it as a small way of showing his commitment to marriage, and Julie was happy that he chose to wear it during games.
The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in June 2024. They shared photos from different moments of their life together and reflected on the years they had spent as husband and wife.
Kirk and Julie Have Two Sons
Kirk and Julie are parents to two boys, Cooper and Turner.
Their first son, Cooper, was born in September 2017.
Julie had announced her pregnancy earlier that year, and the arrival of their first child marked a new chapter for the couple. Kirk was playing in the NFL at the time, so the family was learning to balance professional football with parenthood.
In 2018, Kirk shared the news that Cooper would become a big brother. The announcement was made with a playful photograph featuring a message from their young son.
Their second son, Turner, was born in March 2019.
Kirk welcomed him publicly and shared that both Julie and the baby were doing well. He also noted that Cooper was already enjoying his new role as an older brother.
The boys have since become an important part of their family’s story.
Cooper and Turner Are Growing Up Around Football
As the sons of an NFL quarterback, Cooper and Turner have naturally grown up around football.
Kirk and Julie have talked about how their boys gradually became more interested in the game as they got older.
In an interview, Kirk explained that he wanted to play long enough for his sons to actually remember watching him and understand what was happening.
For Julie, seeing the boys become more interested in football has also been fun.
She has described how they eventually began caring about the score and wanting to watch games. That interest gives the family another way to experience Kirk’s career together.
Julie and Kirk’s Dog Abe
Football is not the only thing keeping the Cousins household busy.
The family also has a Labradoodle named Abe.
Before Abe, Kirk and Julie had adopted another rescue dog named Bentley. However, Bentley eventually had to be rehomed because of aggression toward their son Cooper.
Abe became part of the family after they adopted him when he was around five months old.
Kirk has joked about Abe’s personality and how the dog makes it very clear when he wants attention.
Julie and Kirk have also fostered other dogs over the years, showing that pets have been an important part of their family life.
Julie Hampton and the Cousins Foundation
Julie and Kirk have also worked together on charitable efforts through the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation.
The foundation supports organizations working in areas such as children, community development and humanitarian causes.
The couple have spoken about their belief in generosity and using their opportunities to help other people.
For Kirk, his NFL career has provided financial and public opportunities that he and Julie want to use beyond their own family.
Julie has been involved in that work alongside him, making philanthropy another part of their life together.
Kirk and Julie Bought a Golf Course
The couple expanded their business interests in 2022 when they purchased Clearbrook Golf Course in Saugatuck, Michigan.
The golf course had been operating for decades, and the Cousins family said they wanted to invest in the local community while keeping the course active.
The purchase was another example of Kirk and Julie working together outside football.
While Kirk’s professional career remains his most recognizable work, the couple have gradually developed interests that extend beyond the NFL.
Julie Moved Back to Her Home State
Kirk’s NFL career has taken the Cousins family through different parts of the country.
In 2024, Kirk left the Minnesota Vikings and signed with the Atlanta Falcons, bringing the family back to Georgia.
For Julie, the move had a special connection because Georgia is her home state.
She shared her excitement about returning south as the family prepared for the move. The transition also meant that their children would be experiencing a new environment while Julie was once again living closer to the place where she grew up.
The move came after several years in Minnesota, where the family had become comfortable.
Julie’s Life With the Falcons Family
After moving to Atlanta, Julie became involved with the community surrounding the Falcons.
In late 2024, she revealed that she had joined a Bible study group with other players’ wives and girlfriends.
The group gave Julie an opportunity to build friendships with other people who understand the unusual lifestyle that comes with being connected to an NFL player.
For families of professional athletes, frequent travel, changing teams and public attention can create a unique lifestyle. Having a supportive community can make those transitions easier.
The Bottom Line on Kirk Cousins’ Wife
Julie Hampton Cousins has been Kirk Cousins’ wife since June 2014, and she has remained an important part of his life throughout his NFL career.
The couple met in 2012 through a mutual friend, became engaged in 2013 and married in Atlanta the following year. They now have two sons, Cooper and Turner, along with their beloved dog Abe.
Beyond family life, Kirk and Julie have built a shared commitment to charity and business. They run their foundation together and purchased a golf course in Michigan.
Julie may not seek the spotlight in the way her NFL quarterback husband does, but she has played a major role in the family they have built. From raising their sons to supporting Kirk through career changes and helping with their charitable work, her presence has remained a steady part of his story.