Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Lattimore among many more.
Currently, there are more than 100 U.S. Army All-Americans playing in the NFL. During the 2011 NFL Draft, 28 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including five first round selections. An incredible total of 65 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2005 All-American bowl
Bergen Catholic High School | NJ
- Cushing was recognized both on a state and national level as a senior, after recording 120 tackles, 10 sacks and seven interceptions. He was named to both the USA Today All-USA First Team and Parade All-American team, and also won the All-State Defensive Player of the Year in New Jersey. Cushing recorded six tackles and one sack in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
College: University of Southern California
- A four-year contributor for the Trojans, Cushing broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman, starting at defensive end before moving back to his natural linebacker position. He received Second-Team and Honorable Mention All-Pac 10 honors following his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively. Cushing finished his USC career as an All-American and First-Team All-Pac 10 performer in 2008. He posted a team-leading 10.5 tackles-for-loss and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (best linebacker).
NFL: Houston Texans, Selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 15th Overall
- The NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Cushing was named a Pro Bowl starter after finishing second in the league in tackles (134). In addition, the Second-Team All-Pro recorded five sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and a safety in starting all 16 games for the Texans. His sophomore year was marred by injuries, but Cushing still started a dozen games when healthy.
