Australian Football League (AFL) legend Ben Cousins recently delighted his fans by introducing the newest addition to his family – a miniature dachshund named Daisy. In a heartwarming Instagram video, the 45-year-old cuddled his new pup while his children, Angelique (10) and Bobby (12), played with Daisy outside in the sunshine. The caption read, “Newest addition to the household… Our fearless and ferocious miniature dachshund… Daisy.”
A Joyful Family Moment
The video captures a joyous moment as Cousins and his children interact with Daisy, showcasing the retired footballer’s delight in their new furry friend. Ben’s happiness is evident as he proudly shows off Daisy for the camera, a sight that has brought smiles to his many fans.
Ben shares Angelique and Bobby with his former partner, Maylea Tinecheff. The video underscores the strong bond within the family and highlights the positive changes in Cousins’ life.
Reigniting Passion for Sport
Ben Cousins’ recent appearance on “Dancing With The Stars” has reignited his passion for competition and the athletic lifestyle. He admitted to the Herald Sun that he missed the rush of being a professional athlete. Participating in the dance show brought back the excitement of competition, something he had longed for. “I really thought that I was going to get six to eight, or 10 weeks through the experience and I’d just be hanging on for dear life waiting for the days to finish. But it was the complete opposite,” Cousins said.
His time on the show was so enjoyable that he found himself sad as it was coming to an end. “For me to think back to that it still shocks me that that could have been the case. I fell in love with it, it was incredible,” he added.
A Journey of Redemption
Ben Cousins has been on a path of redemption in recent years, following a well-documented fall from grace. His struggles with drug addiction and a tumultuous personal life led to multiple incarcerations. However, since his release from custody in December 2020, Cousins has been committed to rebuilding his life, focusing on his children and his personal growth.
Susan Backshell, a mentor who has supported Cousins since his last stint in jail, has been instrumental in his recovery. She gave him an ultimatum to either give his all or give up entirely, and Cousins chose to commit fully to his sobriety and bettering his community.
Rebuilding with New Challenges
Despite multiple approaches from Channel Seven’s SAS Australia, Cousins has chosen to focus on new, positive challenges. His participation in “Dancing With The Stars” this year has been a significant step in his journey. “I’m just in a pretty good space at the moment and am in a position to take on some new challenges and this has come along and probably for the first time in quite a while I am in a position to give it a go,” Cousins explained.
The dance competition provided him with a structured, goal-oriented activity, reminiscent of his days as a professional athlete. “This worked for where I was at mentally and wanting to throw myself into something,” he said.
A Legacy of Football Excellence
Ben Cousins’ football career is marked by significant achievements and accolades. He won the Brownlow Medal in 2005 and captained the West Coast Eagles from 2001 to 2005. During his tenure, he secured the club’s best and fairest awards in four seasons and played a pivotal role in their 2006 premiership win. Cousins played 238 games and scored 205 goals for the West Coast Eagles.
However, his career was marred by his battle with drug addiction, leading to his sacking and a one-year ban from the AFL for repeated infringements.
A New Chapter of Public Engagement
In a bid to share his experiences and inspire others, Ben Cousins announced last year that he would embark on several speaking engagements as part of his “Such Is Life Tour,” which began in July. These engagements are not only a cathartic process for Cousins but also an opportunity to recount untold tales from his football career.
Conclusion
Ben Cousins’ journey from an AFL superstar to a man rebuilding his life is a story of resilience and redemption. His recent Instagram video introducing Daisy, the miniature dachshund, reflects a man who is embracing the joys of family and new beginnings. With his passion for sport reignited and his commitment to personal growth unwavering, Cousins continues to inspire those who have followed his remarkable journey.
