Houston Sports - Brian Cushing

Brian Cushing

Born: January 24, 1987

Sport: Football (All American, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, All Pro)

As the pro football season marches on, I thought we should look at yet another member of the Houston Texans that left a memorable mark on the city's sports scene.  As the team took the field today, one of the early success stories of the franchise was present in an especially visible manner, as Brian Cushing gave a speech to help induct former owner Janice McNair into the team's Ring of Honor.  It was a special moment, and an interesting one for a player that many believe is one of the most deserving to receive that honor that still remains on the outside.  Whether or not he'll get the call someday remains to be seen, but the longtime defensive anchor for the Texans certainly had a career that merits the conversation.  Let's dive into the story of Texans linebacker Brian Cushing. 

Reliant Stadium in 2009, Cushing's first season in Houston

A product of New Jersey, Brian Cushing could have followed his father Frank's footsteps into a military career instead of sports.  The Cushing family has a military history, including a great-great-uncle named Alonzo who was awarded the Medal of Honor for courageous actions that cost him his life at the Battle of Gettysburg.  Cushing's mother, Annette, was of Polish descent and was born in a German labor camp in the closing months of World War II before emigrating to the US during the 1950s.  Football talent was obvious in the young man at an early age, and young Brian was fortunate enough to develop his abilities at one of the region's top football schools, Bergen Catholic High School.  Cushing's play at running back, tight end, and linebacker contributed to a state championship during his senior year and earned him NJ Player of the Year honors and a trip to the All-American Bowl.  Although Navy recruited Cushing alongside a number of college football's top programs, he opted to play across the country for the USC Trojans upon his graduation in 2005.  He made an impact early and often, leading the defensive unit and being named a Freshman All-American by Scout.com.  USC won the Pac-10 conference all four years he played, making Cushing just the second player ever to start in four consecutive Rose Bowls.  As an impact player for one of the most dominant teams ever, Cushing finally earned first-team AP All-American honors as a senior in 2008 and was considered a legitimate star prospect when the Houston Texans selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Brian Cushing joined the Texans in one of the more successful off-seasons for the young franchise, during which all seven draft picks and one undrafted free agent all made the roster.  Four of those eight players eventually made a Pro Bowl in the league, but somehow it was Cushing that stood out among the young talent.  Starting all 16 games for the first Texans squad to record a winning record, he finished the season tied for the AFC leader in tackles with future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and was one of three rookies selected to the annual Pro Bowl.  Cushing was initially selected as a second team All-Pro, but a drug test that showed elevated hCg levels caused the Associated Press to take away that recognition.  Although he denied any wrongdoing, the failed test cost him a 4-game suspension to start his second year in the league.  Cushing's third season was a bounce-back campaign, however, as he attempted to silence doubters while adapting to a new role as an inside linebacker in the Texans adjusted 3-4 defensive scheme (one that involves only 3 linemen but includes a fourth linebacker).  He was successful and despite being denied a Pro Bowl selection by voters, Cushing was selected to the second team All-Pro and was named the 2011 Texans team MVP for their first-ever playoff season.

The Texans were successful in their very first playoff game, and Cushing played a significant role in helping their 31-10 victory over Cincinnati.  Despite losing in the second round, the season was a success.  Cushing entered 2012 hoping to make a statement during a contract year, but instead suffered the first significant injury of his career early in the season.  Despite tearing his ACL and missing the final 13 weeks, Cushing was re-signed by the Texans with the largest ILB deal in history.  He also had success in his personal life as he married his college sweetheart, Megan Ohai, with whom he would eventually have three sons.  Interestingly, eight years later Megan's sister Kealia would marry another former Texans defensive star, J.J. Watt, making the former teammates brothers-in-law.  Unfortunately, just seven games into that 9-year contract he suffered another injury on a low block that caused a broken leg and torn ligament, ending his 2013 campaign.  Rehab took time and Cushing's teammates recognized his determination to return to form by nominating him for the Ed Block Courage Award.  Despite his effort, and although he had several impressive performances over the following years, his total production began to decline.  A second suspension for violating the league's substance policy cost him 10 games of the 2017 season, and the team decided to cut him after a disappointing losing season in the hopes that they could begin a rebuilding process.  Cushing's career ended after nine years with the Texans, becoming the franchise's leader in total tackles, a position he still holds.  Houston hired him to act as their strength and conditioning coach one year later, and he served in that capacity in 2019 and 2020.  Once Cushing left the NFL ranks he decided to remain in the Houston area while he focused on raising his family and opened a gym and youth training facility known as The Garage.  His Brian Cushing Foundation is a charity that focuses on providing technology and support for families of veterans, and he continues to impact his community by remaining active in benefit activities such as Make-A-Wish and flood relief.

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