Cushing's disruptive nature helped serve as a catalyst for the "Bulls on Parade" defense in 2011. At the end of the season, his teammates chose him as the Texans' overall Most Valuable Player.

Linebacker Brian Cushing's dedication and determination during his return from a knee injury was a key component to getting the contract extension.

Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing sits on the bench during the third quarter of an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in Houston ...

Houston Texans’ Brian Cushing reacts after forcing an Indianapolis Colts turnover during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) AP ...

If Brian Cushing had come out with a plausible excuse as to why he failed a test for prohibited substances, he could have kept his defensive rookie of the year award.

Brian Cushing posted those words just 11 months ago, paired with gritty photos showing the longtime Texans linebacker in muscular action and thoughtful silence.

Brian Cushing News from United Press International.The Seattle Seahawks have generated a lot of news lately, and they added an item as former Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was scheduled ...

That's who he is and what Sunday is like for him." Cushing isn't sure if that's a matter of nature or his Jersey nurture. Either way, it's foremost in his mind.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, who was suspended for four games this season after testing positive for HCG last September, said he failed the drug test because he was over-training.

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Brian Cushing returned to his hometown in northern New Jersey for a few weeks this summer, and the visit only reinforced the passage of time since last fall. His son, Cayden, was ...