Unwanted,

Unworthy,

UNSHACKLED.

Brad Cousino's compelling memoir 'Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED' tells how he endured 18 years of intense physical, emotional, and verbal traumatic abuse.

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WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING

Hear from the respected coaches who witnessed Brad Cousino's determination, leadership, and character firsthand.

Coach Ron Corradini

Former Miami University Defensive Line Coach

"You did a magnificent job of defeating the inner beast. My memories of you are some of the most pleasant of my coaching career."

Read Full Letter →

Coach Dick Crum

Former Miami University Head Coach

"Brad's story is one of pure determination... He NEVER GAVE UP, no matter the odds."

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Brad's Journey

FROM REJECTION TO THE NFL

Brad Cousino NFL Career

Rejected by dozens of colleges and told he was too small to succeed, Brad Cousino refused to quit. What began as a dream eventually led him from cleaning sewers to playing professional football with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

His story is not just about football. It is about perseverance, resilience, courage, faith, and discovering that your past does not have to define your future.

Read Full Story

THE AUTHOR

Brad Cousino was conceived out of wedlock to 15 & 16 year-old teenagers. To escape the traumatic physical abuse of growing up in a dysfunctional, alcoholic home, he worked cleaning out putrid sewers of rotting sludge to pay for 1 quarter of college. Despite overwhelming odds, Brad became a football All American and defensive M.V.P. in the Mid American Conference two years in a row. Even so, he didn't get drafted, but played with the Cincinnati Bengals, NY Giants and the then 2X Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a keynote speaker, life coach, mentor and published author, Brad has captivated thousands of people with his compelling true life-story as depicted in his memoir. Brad passionately believes in these 6 priorities: 1] LOVE GOD 2] LOVE YOUR FAMILY 3] LOVE OTHERS 4] ALWAYS GIVE YOUR VERY BEST 5] BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER, and 6] FINISH STRONG by FINISHING WELL.

Brad is married to Tami for 45+ years, is DAD to 4 superb adult children & PAPA to 11 superstar grand children.

Brad Cousino

LEARN MORE
Author
Love God

Brad's faith serves as the foundation of his life, guiding his decisions, purpose, and commitment to serving others.

Love Your Family

Family remains one of Brad's highest priorities, inspiring him to lead with love, integrity, and dedication.

Love Others

Brad believes in uplifting and encouraging others through compassion, mentorship, and meaningful relationships.

Always Give Your Very Best

Whether in business, speaking, coaching, or daily life, Brad is committed to giving his best effort in everything he does.

Faith & Purpose

Faith remains at the center of Brad's mission, inspiring him to serve others and live a life of purpose and significance.

THE BOOK

Brad Cousino's compelling memoir 'Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED' tells how he endured 18 years of intense physical, emotional, and verbal traumatic abuse.

REJECTION

Rejected by circumstances, but never defeated in spirit.

SURVIVAL

Finding strength in life's darkest moments.

REDEMPTION

Turning pain into purpose and setbacks into growth.

ABUSE

Overcoming wounds that could have defined a lifetime.

ACHIEVEMENT

Building a legacy through resilience, discipline, and determination.

FAITH

Discovering hope, healing, and purpose through unwavering faith.

About The Memoir

Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED

My Memoir by Brad Cousino

Everyone faces difficult, challenging adversity. Character is not defined by WHAT we face, but HOW we face it. Brad Cousino’s compelling memoir shares his journey from childhood trauma and adversity to success at the highest levels of athletics, leadership, family, and personal growth.

From cleaning sewers to pay college tuition to becoming a two-time All-American and playing in the NFL, Brad’s story is one of resilience, determination, courage, and faith.

Childhood Adversity

Raised in a difficult and abusive environment.

Walk-On Athlete

Earned a place on Miami University's football team.

Two-Time All-American

Defensive MVP and nationally recognized athlete.

NFL Career

Played with the Bengals, Giants and Steelers.

UNWANTED, UNWORTHY,
UNSHACKLED

His traumatic past comes back to haunt him, as a savage "winner-take-all" spiritual battle rages for the young man's heart, life and future family.

LISTEN TO THE
PODCAST

Go beyond the pages of Unwanted, Unworthy, Unshackled and discover the powerful conversations behind Brad Cousino’s journey. Through inspiring stories, faith-driven insights, and life-changing lessons, each episode offers encouragement, hope, and practical wisdom for overcoming adversity and living with purpose.

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Legacy & Impact

From Building A Family To Inspiring Readers Worldwide

Brad Cousino's journey is more than a story of football and success. It is a story of faith, perseverance, family, and a message that continues to impact readers around the world.

Brad Cousino Family

Family Legacy

Today Brad considers his greatest achievement to be the family he built with his wife Tami, creating a legacy centered on faith, love, and purpose.

Unwanted Unworthy Unshackled Book

Changing Lives Through His Story

Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED continues to reach readers, offering hope, encouragement, and proof that adversity does not have to define your future.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMER SAY ?

James Walker

Personal Development Coach

I loved this story. Just when I thought it was time to give up, Brad continued on, he persevered, and he made it. He didn't settle; he took a chance, and what he had hoped for happened—not because of wishful thinking but because he did the next right thing. His story of faith brought me to tears.

Emily Carter

Motivational Speaker

absolutely loved highly recommended great book for everyone to read about perseverance and not quitting great book especially for young men.

David Reynolds

Business Mentor

This is an amazing story about how an unwanted child overcame all sorts of obstacles in childhood and then in adulthood and had to face his own obstacles to decide how he wanted to live his life. While reading, I was asking myself would I have been as courageous? There are many life lessons here!

Sarah Mitchell

Life Coach

I am not an avid reader, but couldn't put this book down! So inspiring and encouraging. Wow wow wow!

Michael Anderson

Leadership Coach

Brad Cousino shares an authentic and courageous account of overcoming adversity. This book offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone facing life's challenges.