Texans LB Brian Cushing wins Rookie of the Year

Former USC linebacker Brian Cushing was named the AP’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, receiving 39 out of 50 votes by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters. If you’re wondering why USC had a little bit of a drop off this year consider this, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, who also went to USC and was a first-round draft pick, earned three votes and Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo, another first-round pick from USC, received two votes. Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga was also a 2010 first-round pick from USC.

Cushing finished the season with 134 tackles for the Houston Texans who finished with their first winning season and narrowly missed the playoffs. Check out the SportsFags bio of Brian Cushing complete with hot shirtless photos and a link to his personal website.