Brian Cushing
A fierce and instinctive linebacker whose explosive rookie season defined a career of relentless physicality for the Houston Texans.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player and coach·Birthday: January 24·Millennials
Biography
Brian Cushing arrived in the NFL with the force of a hurricane. Drafted 15th overall by the Houston Texans in 2009, the USC product immediately transformed the team's defense, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with a season of 133 tackles and 4 sacks. His style was one of pure, unadulterated aggression—a throwback linebacker who played with a visible and contagious fury. Cushing became the emotional and tactical centerpiece of a Texans defense that grew into one of the league's most formidable units, leading the team to its first playoff appearances. His career, however, was a constant battle with injuries and suspensions related to performance-enhancing substances, which interrupted his momentum and sparked controversy. Despite these setbacks, his toughness and leadership were never questioned, and he retired as the Texans' all-time leading tackler, leaving a legacy as one of the franchise's foundational players and its most fearsome defensive presence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brian was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009 after recording 133 tackles.
- Retired as the Houston Texans' all-time leader in combined tackles.
- Selected to the Pro Bowl in 2009, his rookie season.
- Was a key defensive leader for the Texans during their first-ever playoff runs in 2011 and 2012.
Did You Know?
He won the Dick Butkus Award in 2008 as the nation's top collegiate linebacker while at USC.
He served as a defensive quality control coach for the University of Alabama in 2021.
He was suspended for 10 games in 2017 for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
He and his wife have a son named Cayden.
“The film room doesn't lie. You either put in the work or you get exposed.”
