# Kirk Cousins passes John Elway with a humble joke

> The Raiders QB threw his 301st career touchdown pass and had the perfect response when he learned he'd made history.
- Title: Kirk Cousins passes John Elway with a humble joke | Shortify
- Summary: The Raiders QB threw his 301st career touchdown pass and had the perfect response when he learned he'd made history. Cousins became the 15th quarterback to…
- Keywords: kirk cousins, john elway, las vegas raiders, nfl, touchdown passes, week 1, miami dolphins, ashton jeanty, news, entertainment, Kirk, Cousins
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/sports/kirk-cousins-response-after-passing-john-elway-on-td-passes-list
- Published: 2026-09-16T03:11:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kirk cousins, john elway, las vegas raiders, nfl, touchdown passes, week 1, miami dolphins, ashton jeanty, news, entertainment
## Cousins breaks into the 300 club
The 38-year-old Raiders QB threw his 301st career touchdown pass in Las Vegas' 27-13 Week 1 win over Miami, passing Hall of Famer John Elway on the all-time list.
## His response was perfectly humble
When told he'd passed Elway, Cousins smiled and said: "It's a decent name. He had a decent career." The understated joke became an instant viral moment.

> It's a decent name. He had a decent career.
## Three TDs in a winning debut
Cousins threw three touchdown passes in the Raiders' home win, including one to Ashton Jeanty who also caught another TD earlier in the game.
## But his deep ball needs work
Cousins completed just 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards with two interceptions. He was only 1-for-7 on throws beyond 10 yards downfield, a potential problem for winning games.
## Pressure from the draft pick
The Raiders' number one overall pick Fernando Mendoza is already being discussed as a potential replacement, even after Cousins' winning debut and veteran leadership.
## Key takeaway

Cousins became the 15th quarterback to reach 300 career touchdown passes, surpassing Hall of Famer John Elway with characteristic humility.