In the heart of UCF football's preparation for the 2026 season, the Knights received a boost from none other than NFL veteran Kirk Cousins. The 37-year-old quarterback visited the team, sharing his powerful "hard to kill" mantra to inspire resilience and perseverance.
The UCF squad, coming off a challenging 2025 season with a 5-7 record, faced adversity head-on. Injuries and player departures had taken their toll, but Cousins' message was clear: tough times are temporary, but tough people endure.
"Each of you has overcome so much to be here," Cousins told the team. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do. Being 'hard to kill' means you keep coming back, no matter the challenges."
The Knights' struggles last season included a 2-7 record in the Big 12 and missing a bowl game for the second year in a row. Yet, head coach Scott Frost has been hard at work, recruiting fresh talent and instilling a new culture to turn the tide.
Cousins' visit was highlighted in a hype video posted by UCF football, featuring his motivational words alongside clips of players lifting weights and engaging in drills. His speech wasn't just about motivation; it was rooted in personal experiences of adversity.
Cousins recounted his own battles, including a torn Achilles in 2023 while with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite setbacks, he returned as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for over 3,500 yards and facing career challenges head-on.
"I faced moments where I thought my career might be over," Cousins shared. "But I refused to give up.
Each time I got knocked down, I got back up. That's what it means to be 'hard to kill.'"
As UCF looks to the future, Cousins' message has resonated deeply within the program. Wide receiver Waden Charles echoed this sentiment on the UCFast Cast podcast, emphasizing the team's renewed hunger and determination.
With a blend of fresh recruits and seasoned players, the Knights are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, fueled by Cousins' enduring mantra. The message is clear: UCF football is resilient, and they're coming back stronger than ever.