Raiders end four-game skid with 38-33 win over Jets
Kirk Cousins revived his 'Kirko Chainz' tradition on the flight home, marking the team's first .500 or better start since 2021.
By Jillian Foster ·
The Las Vegas Raiders ended a four-game losing streak on Sunday by defeating the New York Jets 38-33 on the road. The victory improved the team's record to 4-4. This marks the first time since 2021 that the Raiders have finished the first eight games of a season with a winning percentage of .500 or better.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for four total touchdowns in the win. The performance allowed the team to celebrate in a familiar way during the long flight back to Las Vegas. Cousins removed his shirt and allowed his teammates to drape expensive chains around his neck and watches on his wrist. This ritual is known as the 'Kirko Chainz' persona.
"It's been a while. The longer the flight, the more likely the chains," Cousins said. The tradition began in 2022 while he played for the Minnesota Vikings. After a comeback win over the Washington Commanders, Cousins swayed to the song "Bullseye 2" by Florida rapper Real Boston Richey while wearing his teammates' jewelry. A video of the moment went viral online.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Cousins planned the celebration before the game. Kubiak stated that Cousins told him in the locker room after the win that he was looking forward to the airplane ride. Kubiak wanted his players to enjoy the moment because winning is difficult in this league.
Raiders running back Dylan Laube was a member of the New Hampshire Wildcats when Cousins first adopted the alter ego. Laube described seeing the persona in person as funny. He noted that Cousins loves the attention and is an unreal person. Laube was also named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
Several teammates contributed to Cousins' jewelry collection for the flight. Cornerback Eric Stokes placed a watch on Cousins' wrist. Defensive tackle Adam Butler provided a large Millennium Ring necklace from the anime series "Yu-Gi-Oh." All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby gave Cousins multiple watches and chains. Crosby called Cousins one of the funniest people he has met and said the quarterback has the most dad vibe energy on the planet.
Cousins has used other methods to bring joy to the locker room this season. He performed a dance after scoring a rushing touchdown in the third quarter against New York. He initially credited the move to the team's training staff but later admitted Laube created it. Cousins said he steals jokes from others and acts as a better megaphone for them.
The quarterback also treats the team to meals at In-N-Out Burger after every win. These trips stopped for a month during the losing streak. Cousins promised a visit to a location near the training facility if the team won on Sunday. He bought food for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, left tackle Kolton Miller, tight end Brock Bowers, and Laube. Cousins noted that the restaurant is not expensive and that his credit card balance does not drop significantly.
