EARLY CAREER
Brian Cushing grew up in Oradell, New Jersey, playing high school football at the powerhouse, Bergen Catholic. There he would win a state championship as a senior playing linebacker, running back, and tight end. He would later go on to win New Jersey Player of the Year and play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
After high school, Brian would go on to play at USC, where he would continue to rack up many individual accolades. He earned Freshman All-American in 2005, 2007 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP, 2008 All Pac-10 First-Team, and was selected as a First-Team All-American by three separate publications. During Brian Cushing’s four years as a Trojan, his teams went 46-6, winning the Pac-10 title every year. They would also go on to win the Rose Bowl three times as one of the best college teams ever. He would be one of two players to play in the Rose Bowl as a starter four straight seasons joining Archie Griffin.
NFL BEGINNINGS
Cushing was selected as the 15th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans and immediately made an impact on the team. He started all 16 games, totaling 133 tackles, four sacks, one safety, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. That magical season for Brian Cushing ended winning the The NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year. His sophomore season had a minor setback as he had to miss the first four games of the season, but Brian would bounce back the following season after a switch in defensive scheme and position to inside linebacker. The Texans went 10-6 to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Cushing was named Team MVP totaling 114 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was second-team All-Pro and helped lead the Texans to their first playoff victory.
INJURY HISTORY
The 2012 season was supposed to be a big season heading in to a contract year but was cut short to and ACL injury. Even with his rehab, Brian Cushing was rewarded with a six-year $55.6 million contract; the largest inside linebacker deal in NFL history at that point. Unfortunately, 7 games into the 2013 season, Brian broke his fibula and tore his fibular collateral ligament. Those injuries compounded in consecutive seasons made fro a difficult rehab. He ultimately did start in 43 out of the Texans’ next 48 games while being one of their top defensive performers. His resiliency led Brian to be selected him by his teammates for the Texans Ed Block Courage Award.
POST FOOTBALL
In 2019, Brian joined the Texans coaching staff as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. Since stepping away from the NFL completely, Brian opened a training facility in Houston called “The Garage.” They focus on middle school, high school, and college athletes dedicated to performing at the next level.