From Trojan to Texan, Cushing Brings Winning Ways, Toughness to Houston

Today, I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing the Houston Texans' 2009 No. 1 draft pick, Brian Cushing, and I could see the excitement and anticipation in his eyes.  I know that everyone in Houston wants to know what this kid is all about and if he is indeed the real deal. 

Well folks, without further ado, fanfare and hoopla, here is Brian Cushing unplugged and uncensored.

Brian, welcome to Houston and the fans look forward to watching you grow and have a tremendous impact on The Houston Texans Defense and the team as a whole.  What is your number one goal as the Houston Texans’ No. 1 overall pick for the 2009 football season? 

What, in your opinion, are your unique and innate abilities on the football field that make you a formidable defensive player?

You obviously have come from a perennial winning program at The University of Southern California and it’s no secret that the Texans have teetered on mediocrity and at times, flirted with success.  What do you bring from your experiences at USC that can hopefully help to establish a winning tradition here in Houston?

All-Pro Linebacker DeMeco Ryans has made a name for himself and is making a substantial impact as a leader on the Texans’ defense.  Have you sought him out or has he taken you under his wing yet to show you the “linebacking” ropes here in Houston? 

Another All-Pro, Mario Williams, anchors the Texans’ defense and I have one question; is he as big in person as he is on television or bigger? 

After signing your big contract, getting your No. 56 jersey with your name on it and meeting players like Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Andre’ Johnson, has it sunk in that you, Brian Cushing from Park Ridge, New Jersey, are a real "live" football player in The National Football League?

Who in your life do you thank or give the most credit for you getting to the pinnacle of your sport, to this ‘NFL Dream Sequence’ you’ve been experiencing over the last few weeks?

In a nutshell, Brian, what can the fans expect from you whenever you step onto the field as a Houston Texan?

Well Texan fans, there you have it.  You now know what to expect from Brian Cushing and from this point hence, he'll let his play speak for him.  Lookout AFC offenses.  There's a new deputy roaming the plains of Reliant Stadium...and his name is Brian "Plant 'em 6-feet under" Cushing.