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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Brad Cousino's compelling memoir 'Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED' tells how he endured 18 years of intense physical, emotional, and verbal traumatic abuse.
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 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'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 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.
absolutely loved highly recommended great book for everyone to read about perseverance and not quitting great book especially for young men.
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 am not an avid reader, but couldn't put this book down! So inspiring and encouraging. Wow wow wow!
Brad Cousino shares an authentic and courageous account of overcoming adversity. This book offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone facing life's challenges.