 He played for the Texans from 2009 to 2017 and became the team's all-time leading tackler.Cushing trained throughout his childhood in Park Ridge, New Jersey.He attended Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey and went on to lead the Crusaders to the 2004 Group IV State Championship as a linebacker, tight end, and running back against Don Bosco Preparatory High School, providing huge plays in the 13–10 win.