Brian Cushing wins NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

[jarrod2323]

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston 39
Jairus Byrd, S, Buffalo 6
Clay Matthews III, LB, Green Bay 3
Brian Orakpo, LB, Washington 2

NEW YORK -- Brian Cushing has become the second Houston Texans linebacker in four seasons to win The Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The tackling machine from USC, drafted 15th overall last April, is a runaway winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league. Cushing received 39 votes, easily beating Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd, who had six.

Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans won the award in 2006.

Cushing is the seventh straight linebacker voted top defensive rookie and the ninth in 10 years.

 

[Gtown81]

kind of surprised Byrd didn't get it, but Cushing is a beast

 

[.GR]

Houston is getting better. I think they finally make the playoffs next season.

 

[.loggie]

Cush definitely deserved it and he's a USC product but not a single vote for Louis da Missile?

 

[footballplaya52]

i thought byrd had more of a chance

 

[.infamous]

Should have been my boy Louis Delmas. He carried the Lions defense, but it really doesnt matter lol.

 

[VC15]

Another Jersey product making our state proud! Congrats to Brian!

 

[rivers17ncsu]

congrats to Cushing, he had a very good rookie season obviously. I actually predicted Clay Matthews to win it though, both are beast.