Brian Cushing
Former Houston Texans linebacker and all-time leading tackler.
Brian Patrick Cushing (born January 24, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans, and was selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played his entire nine-year career with Houston from 2009 to 2017 and became the team's all-time leading tackler.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Middle Linebacker
- Affiliation
- Houston Texans (2009–2017)
- Draft class
- 2009 NFL Draft, First Round
- College
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Status
- Retired from NFL Play
Lore & Background
Cushing trained throughout his childhood in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He attended Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey and went on to lead the Crusaders to the 2004 Group IV State Championship as a linebacker, tight end, and running back against Don Bosco Preparatory High School, providing huge plays in the 13–10 win. He was named '2004 North Jersey Player of the Year' by The Record, and played in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alongside future USC teammates Patrick Turner, Rey Maualuga, and Mark Sanchez. Cushing was recruited by top colleges, including Notre Dame, Georgia, and Penn State before eventually committing to the University of Southern California. He attended the University of Southern California and played for the USC Trojans football team from 2005 to 2008 under head coach Pete Carroll. Cushing shared the No. 10 jersey with Trojans starting quarterback John David Booty from 2005 to 2007. Cushing was on Phil Steele's 2007 pre-season All-America team and on the 2007 Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy watch lists. Cushing returned a failed onside kick attempted by Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a late fourth-quarter touchdown on November 25, 2006. On January 1, 2007, Cushing was named the Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl Game, after recording sacks and forcing a third-quarter fumble that changed the momentum of the game. Cushing was named AP 2nd Team All-American as a senior despite having pedestrian statistics (73 tackles, tackles for loss, and 3 sacks). NFL scouts did not admire Cushing for his statistics, but for his versatility. Fast enough to play inside and outside linebacker and big and strong enough to play defensive end. Cushing was one of twelve senior USC players, including the four senior linebackers Cushing, Kaluka Maiava, Clay Matthews III and Rey Maualuga, invited to the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. He also participated in the 2009 Senior Bowl with Maualuga, Matthews, Patrick Turner and others. Alongside fellow USC linebackers Maualuga and Matthews, he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 2009 NFL Draft Preview magazine, as all three were regarded as potential first-round selections. Cushing, along with Archie Griffin of Ohio State University, are the only two players in college football history to have competed in the Rose Bowl as starters in all four seasons of their college careers.
Reader's Guide
Brian Cushing played his entire nine-year career with the Houston Texans from 2009 to 2017. He was selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2009 NFL draft. He became the team's all-time leading tackler. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009. He was suspended for four games in 2010 and ten games in 2017 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy. He was released by the Texans on February 20, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Brian Cushing to the Houston Texans?
He served as the defensive backbone and emotional leader for Houston during their transition from an expansion team into playoff contenders. Selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, he quickly became a cornerstone of the roster.
What position did Brian Cushing play during his career?
Cushing operated primarily as a middle linebacker throughout his professional career with the franchise. His role required him to call defensive plays and anchor the unit against both the run and pass.
When and where was Brian Cushing drafted from?
The Texans selected him in the first round out of the University of Southern California during the 2009 draft class. This pick marked a significant investment in building a competitive defense early in the team's history.
Why is Brian Cushing considered a franchise legend?
His leadership helped guide the squad through their formative years, establishing a culture that sustained success for over a decade. Fans remember him as the defensive general who stabilized the unit during a critical growth period.
How long was Brian Cushing with the Houston Texans organization?
He played exclusively for Houston from his draft year in 2009 until his retirement following the 2014 season. His tenure spanned six seasons before he officially retired from NFL play.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Houston Texans
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced