Kirk Cousins 'You Like That!' memes, explained: Revisiting the 2015 comeback game behind viral catchphrase

Teddy Ricketson

Kirk Cousins 'You Like That!' memes, explained: Revisiting the 2015 comeback game behind viral catchphrase image

It's hard to predict when things will go viral on social media. It can be a throw-away comment in an interview or it can be a celebratory dance after a win. 

For Kirk Cousins, it was something he yelled when passing media members awaiting a postgame press conference.

After leading a huge comeback win for the then-Washington Redskins over the Buccaneers, Cousins was clearly overcome with emotions and excitement. This resulted in his yelling a now iconic phrase to the media members as he headed to the locker room. 

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Kirk Cousins 'You Like That' moment

Whatever synapses Cousins had firing in his head at the moment after the huge comeback are responsible for his yelling "You Like That!" twice at the media. The quarterback was fueled by not only the win, but also some comments the local media had made about whether he was worthy of being Washington's starter. 

The team drafted reigning Heisman winner Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and then followed that up by selecting Cousins in the fourth round. This decision set the table for what ended up happening with both quarterbacks. 

Cousins ended up taking over as the full-time starter in 2015. He had led Washington to a 2-4 start, and the local media were already writing him off. They did view this interaction as more light-hearted, despite it sounding more accusatory and aggressive when it happened. 

According to Cousins, comments were directed at Tarik El-Bashir of Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic, who laughed at the interaction and likened it to Cousins' personal version of "Are you not entertained?" 

Now in Atlanta, Cousins brought back the "You Like That!" phrase for another hyped-up moment in Week 5 of the 2024 season. After leading the Falcons to a 36-30 win in overtime and throwing for a franchise-record 509 passing yards, Cousins joined his teammates, who were waiting for him in the locker room, and said exactly what they all wanted to hear.  

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What game is the 'You Like That' meme from?

Washington hosted Tampa Bay in Week 7 of the 2015 NFL season. The then-Redskins had lost two games in a row and were 2-4 with this game standing between them and a Week 8 bye week. After this win and the bye, Washington finished 6-3 down the stretch for an overall 9-7 record, which was good enough to get them into the playoffs. 

Washington won the game 31-30. Tampa Bay was up 24-0 in the second quarter and 24-7 at halftime. Cousins threw three touchdowns in the second half, with the final coming with 24 seconds left in the game. He found tight end Jordan Reed for a six-yard reception, and kicker Dustin Hopkins knocked the game-winning extra point through the uprights. 

What teams has Kirk Cousins played for?

Cousins was drafted by Washington in 2012 and spent seven years with the organization. He wanted a bigger contract than they thought he was worth, so he left in free agency and signed with the Vikings on a fully guaranteed, three-year, $84 million deal. Cousins was with the Vikings through 2023 and just signed with the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million deal that has $100 million guaranteed.

 YearsContract(s)
Washington2012-2017Rookie: 4-year, $2.52 million, 2016 franchise tag, 2017 franchise tag
Minnesota Vikings2018-20233-year, $84 million, 2-year, $66 million extension, $1-year $35 million extension
Atlanta Falcons2024-4-year, $180 million

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Kirk Cousins career stats

Cousins has been in the league now for 13 years, between his three franchises. The 36-year-old is one of the older players in the league, but he has developed into a reliable starter, who is still looking for his first trip to the Super Bowl. 

 GamesPassing YardsPassing TDsInterceptionsRecord
Washington6216,206995526-30-1
Minnesota Vikings8823,2651715550-37-1
Atlanta Falcons4864442-2
Total15440,33527411478-69-2

Kirk Cousins contract

Cousins was signed by the Falcons to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. This was a notable contract because the quarterback was coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. He's also 36, with this contract running through his age-40 season. 

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson Photo

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.