Brad Cousino's compelling memoir "Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED" tells the remarkable true story of overcoming rejection, abuse, and impossible odds through faith, perseverance, and hope.
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.
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Brad Cousino (Cooz-eh-No) is a former NFL player, accomplished entrepreneur, keynote speaker, published author (“Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED”), and mentor whose life embodies perseverance, grit, and transformation. Born into a highly dysfunctional and abusive home, Brad overcame rejection, adversity, and insurmountable odds to build a life of impact and influence.
After cleaning sewers at $4.50 /hour to pay for his first quarter of college, Brad earned a spot as a non-scholarship “walk-on” (i.e. movie RUDY) at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Through relentless determination, he became a two-time consensus All-American, a two-time Mid-American Conference Defensive M.V.P., and ultimately played in the NFL as a linebacker under two Hall of Fame coaches: Paul Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals and Chuck Noll of the then 2x Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite his athletic success, Brad’s most powerful lessons came not from victories on the field, but from his personal struggles and professional “crash and burn” moments. Those experiences gave him a deep resilience, humility, and passion for helping others rise above challenges. Today, Brad shares his story and insights as a thought leader, inspiring people to do the right things for the right reasons, to finish strong, and to leave a robust legacy.
As a husband to Tami for 49 years, proud Dad of four adult children, (who all graduated from Miami University) and a blessed “Papa” to 11 superstar grandchildren, Brad values family, faith, and people above all else. His guiding principles are simple but profound: Love God first & foremost, then love your family, then love others! Always Give Your Best Effort! Never coast -- why cheat yourself? Be a Difference Maker to all in your sphere of influence (friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.) Finish Life Strong
Brad Cousino's compelling memoir 'Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED' tells how he endured 18 years of intense physical, emotional, and verbal traumatic abuse.
Rejected by circumstances, but never defeated in spirit.
Finding strength in life's darkest moments.
Turning pain into purpose and setbacks into growth.
Overcoming wounds that could have defined a lifetime.
Building a legacy through resilience, discipline, and determination.
Discovering hope, healing, and purpose through unwavering faith.
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.
Raised in a difficult and abusive environment.
Earned a place on Miami University's football team.
Defensive MVP and nationally recognized athlete.
Played with the Bengals, Giants and Steelers.
Brad Cousino is also available as a professional speaker for conferences, schools, churches, corporate events, and youth development programs. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming rejection, adversity, and self-doubt, Brad delivers inspiring messages that encourage individuals—especially young people—to build resilience, pursue their goals, and achieve lasting success. If you would like Brad to speak at your event or mentor and motivate the next generation, please visit our Contact Us page. He would be honored to connect with you and discuss how he can serve your audience.
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.
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.
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 continues to reach readers, offering hope, encouragement, and proof that adversity does not have to define your future.
Hear from the respected coaches who witnessed Brad Cousino's determination, leadership, and character firsthand.
"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 →"Brad's story is one of pure determination... He NEVER GAVE UP, no matter the odds."
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“I’ve never read any book that sparked my emotions, or which was as enjoyable and inspirational as “Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED”. This book is a true masterpiece. As I read, I found myself wiping away tears more that a few times. The “Five Immutable Laws” revealed in the book are profound and insightful. I’m now UNSHACKLED from the lies and face the future with renewed faith & hope”
"Brad's story is one of pure determination; and what that character trait can do for a person – and ultimately for an entire team! He NEVER GAVE UP, no matter the odds! All his many great plays were a direct result of Brad's determination to be a 'Difference-Maker' for his team."
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!
“I was not a natural athlete, I didn’t have the necessary size, strength, speed or skill set... but what I did possess was great DESIRE and that is THE critical trait required to be a real “difference-maker” for you, your team... and I believe it’s the most important life trait for achieving anything worthwhile in life!”
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