Who Are the Top 10 Houston Texans of the Decade?

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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Cushing #56 of the Houston Texans causes Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks to fumble in the first half at Reliant Stadium on September 29, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

7. Brian Cushing

(2010-2017): 88 games played, 541 tackles, 30 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 4 INTs, 1 TD, 20 passes defended

One of the most intense linebackers in recent memory, Brian Cushing was always a fan favorite because of his pure love of the game. Outside of his actual play, he is best remembered for headbutting a Cleveland Browns player after taking his own helmet off.

Cushing was also immortalized by his NFL Mic’d Up game where he asked Arian Foster if he thought about writing poetry while running on the field. On the gridiron, Cushing was one of the strongest players due to his unbelievable strength and conditioning training.

One of his best plays came on a wild pick-six of Phillip Rivers on Monday Night Football to open up the 2013 season, just before the team lost 14 games in a row. His best season actually came in 2009 where he won Defensive Rookie of the Year, but his legendary status as a Texan this decade is not in question.

Cushing is currently the strength coach for the team, and his years of a dominating ball hawk are definitely missed. He did miss significant time with injuries throughout his career, ultimately leading to his release in 2018. He is the all-time leader in tackles for Houston.

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