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Cousins sending Minnesota military veteran to Super Bowl

By Dane Mizutani

St. Paul Pioneer Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins won’t be playing in the Super Bowl this season after falling short of expectations in the first year of his $84 million contract with the Vikings.

Still, that didn’t stop the 30-year-old quarterback from making sure someone else will be there to witness the NFL game of the year.

As a part of the league’s partnership with United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and the Wounded Warrior Project, Cousins has awarded a military member, and a guest, a once-in-lifetime trip to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.

“I am fully aware of the fact that our freedom in this country is not truly free and will be forever grateful for individuals like Staff Sergeant Tony Craidon who have made significant sacrifices,” Cousins said in a release. “It’s truly an honor to be able to show my appreciation and support by sending this hero to the Super Bowl with the help of USAA and the Wounded Warrior Project.”

Craidon served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army from 1999-2011 based everywhere from Germany to Iraq. During that span, he was recognized with the Distinguished Leadership Award, and was the runner up for the Alaskan Joint Forces Soldier of the Year. He currently resides in Minnesota with his wife Katrina and their three children.

Cousins is scheduled to meet with Craidon and other military members at USAA’s Salute to Service Lounge on Friday in Atlanta. Open only to current military, veterans and their families, the lounge will feature various NFL players, coaches, personalities and legends.

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