Cousins question: Paycheck or trophy?

Falling for Foles. Enough with the Olympics blah-blah. Let’s talk about something serious, like the Broncos’ quarterback situation. How about our first-round pick this year, second-round pick next year and cornerback Aqib Talib in return for Philadelphia’s Nick Foles? John, wheeler-dealer

Kiz: The knuckleheads here at Kickin’ It Headquarters want a new Broncos quarterback in the worst way, but mortgaging the future for Nick Foles might the worst way to solve the problem. Here’s a better idea: Kirk Cousins is not a top-five quarterback in this league. But could Denver reach the Super Bowl with him? Yes. John Elway won’t overpay for Cousins. So if Cousins will offer a discount to play on the same team as Von Miller, let’s make a deal.

Greatest gift. I learned years ago how special Lindsey Vonn is when she inspired my now 24-year-old grad student. Back then, Genevieve was a 10-year-old skier at Team Summit. She met Lindsey, and in addition to a still-treasured, autograph poster, Lindsey gave Genevieve her cellphone number. While Gen only called three or four times, Lindsey always called back, chatted and encouraged Gen to keep skiing and, more importantly, to go after her goals. As a father, having Lindsey instill confidence in a little girl, who then blossoms into a truly special person, is gratifying beyond words. Mike, grateful father

Kiz: Vonn has won 81 World Cup races, a record for female skiers. But she has done even greater things, as Gen could attest.

A little respect. Perhaps Vonn could leverage some of the goodwill in her heart to show a modicum of respect for the office of the president. We should keep in mind that a lot of hard-working, respectful, tax-paying Americans voted for our current president. Herbert, Castle Pines

Kiz: If Steph Curry and Vonn don’t want to meet the president, perhaps the president should ask: Why?

Bullying Swaney? I’d like to point out Liz Swaney, the skier you criticized for participating in the Olympics, did several 180s in the air, above the halfpipe. Other low-ranking athletes are celebrated. Why is a white female being bullied by the media? J.R., defender of the underdog

Kiz: The halfpipe is dangerous. Competitors risk their health on every trick. Swaney risked nothing. Even Eddie the Eagle hurtled off a ski jump, and the Jamaican bobsled team flew down the track at 70 mph. Swaney took a stroll in the park.

Gold medal coverage. How do you do it, Kiz? Day after day, you write a column (or two) from the Olympics. They’re well-written, well-researched, informative and entertaining. You deserve a gold medal for your coverage. W.B., far too kind

Kiz: I dreamed of going to the Olympics as a kid. I have now participated in 11 Games (if only as a typist). Not bad for a mediocre high school track athlete.

U.S. dominance. And today’s parting shot is a little hockey chirping:

How wonderful to see the U.S. women’s hockey team win gold. For too long, we have had to endure Canadian smugness over their superiority in hockey, their tastier version of bacon and their adult-like prime minister. Dave, Colorado Springs