Brian Cushing and the Texans agreed to a contract extension just days before the season opener. The Texans, who do not negotiate contracts during the season according to team policy, signed Cushing to an additional six years through the 2019 season.
Cushing and General Manager and Executive Vi ce President Rick Smith met with media on Wednesday to make the announcement.
"It's a big day for the franchise," Smith said. "It's an important day for us and an exciting day for us. Brian obviously is an excellent football player. He's a great man as well, family man and he's a guy that adds an impact to our defense. He's a versatile player and all of the things on the football field that we look for, the intensity, the playmaking ability, the instincts, all of those things that he has. But he's a good person. We like to build our football team through the draft and with our young players that we think are guys that represent what we want in a player and in our men. He certainly emulates that. So we're excited about it. I'm happy for Brian. I'm happy for his family. I'm happy for our football team. He can lead our defense and be a part of what we're doing for many, many years to come."
Cushing, entering his fifth season with the team, is excited to have his future locked up in Houston for the foreseeable future.
"Obviously, this is an organization that I love and I wanted to be a part of for the rest of my career," Cushing said. "This was a no-brainer for us to be here. I'm a Texan now, consider Houston my home, and just couldn't be more excited for the future that this team has and now being a part of it for the long haul. I'm very appreciative and I'm ready to roll."
With Cushing's extension, the defense gains consistency with a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, according to linebackers coach Reggie Herring.
"One of the toughest things in this league is to have stability and consistency as far as year-to-year with players and obviously, with Cush signing, that gives us a chance to have some stability at the inside linebacker position in the next few years to come," Herring said Wednesday. "It gives you an anchor point as far as knowing that your play caller and leader is going to be around here. It gives you a little bit of a comfort level in knowing that there's a sound foundation on your defense."
For Cushing, the extension means he will be able to take care of his wife and 10-month old son for a long time and will have stability in a career that often promises none.
"I think there is a lot more peace of mind now in our house," Cushing said. "My wife and I were out to dinner last night and our son was crying and we were laughing because he really has no idea what's going on and how lucky of a little boy he is. That's kind of the father role and something that you're proud of is being able to take care of your family. A role that I've accepted and absolutely want. It's something to be very happy about."
