Cushing using MMA training this off-season
Houston Texans rookie linebacker Brian Cushing is lightening up on the weights and doing mixed martial arts (MMA) training in California this off-season, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Cushing is working out with MMAathletics, which is run by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. And Glazer is singing his praises.
“Brian's a beast, an absolute animal,” said Glazer. “Usually, NFL players come to us in March, but Brian started the week after the Super Bowl. That shows the kind of player and person he is, the kind of determination he has. He's a cyborg.”
Not only will the training help with Cushing's conditioning, but it should help with his technique on the field.
“The thing I'm learning the most is how to use my hands,” Cushing said. "I'm learning the kind of technique that will help me get guys off me.”
Cushing, who won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, led the team in tackles (134) in 2009. In addition, Cushing tied for the team lead in interceptions (four) and was second on the team in sacks (five).
The guy who finished second on the team in tackles (123), Demeco Ryans (2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year), will be joining Cushing soon.
